Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui (1922-2013) served as the Abbot of Longju Temple, renowned for Jiangxi Mazu. A devoted disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, he immersed himself in the teachings and practices of dharma. Also known as Elder Monk Tonghui, he transcended the ordinary, attaining the revered status of a holy monk.
Venerable Master Tong Hui, born Tang Zhenbang on March 5, 1922, in Penglai town, Suining City, Sichuan Province, belonged to the Han ethnicity. Renowned for his intelligence from a young age, he adhered to a vegetarian diet and practiced abstinence, following his parents’ guidance. In 1931, he entered monkhood under Master Pu Jing at Jinwen Temple in Pengxi. Full ordination followed in 1940, under Venerable Master Miaoneng at Baoguang Temple, and further studies in Chengdu’s Jingci Temple under Master Nenghai in 1941. Residing at Longju Temple with Master Miaoneng in 1942, he served during the transmission of the Great Precepts by Master Nenghai. Master Nenghai was one of the most eminent monks in last century.
Post-liberation, Longju Temple faced dispersion, confiscation of properties, and occupation during the Cultural Revolution. As the warehouse keeper, Venerable Master Tong Hui personally bore the repercussions of stolen food, enduring imprisonment to spare innocent people. False accusations regarding the team’s beekeeping further led to additional years in prison. His unwavering compassion and selflessness epitomized the Buddhist spirit.
Reopened by the government on December 16, 1986, Longju Temple underwent extensive renovations under the venerable master’s guidance. The Arhat Hall, Main Hall, Scripture Hall, and Accommodation Building were constructed, while the main gate, Ksitigarbha Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and Bell Tower were restored. The restoration of large Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, as well as Arhat statues, showcased the venerable master’s dedication. Numerous instances of his awe-inspiring virtue were evident, such as his ability to attract dharma-protecting deities and revive a withered ginkgo tree with Bodhi Holy Water.
Front Entrance of Longju Temple
Grand Hall in Longju Temple
Moreover, Venerable Master Tong Hui made significant contributions to Buddhism by bringing back Buddha and Bodhisattva statues made of Burmese jade from temples in Dayi County and Daying County.
A legendary story recounts Master Tonghui’s visit to Burma in 1992. Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui went to Burma to respectfully receive and take back with him a Jade Statue of the Buddha. The night before the Dharma teacher arrived, many people in Burma suddenly dreamed that he was a golden Arhat and would soon come to Burma. The next day when he arrived in Burma, hoards of people made offerings to him. In Hinayana Buddhism, Arhats are praised in the same way that Bodhisattvas who attained the marvelous fruit of enlightenment are praised. It is clear that Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui was an amazing and great sage.
Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui peacefully passed away on February 26, 2013, at the age of 92. His preserved body, following ancient Buddhist rituals, was respectfully opened three years later on June 12, 2016, revealing a full and jade-colored flesh body in the urn. This sacred event reaffirmed the authenticity and practicality of true Buddha Dharma.
The flesh body of Venerable Dharma Teacher Tonghui is now enshrined in Longju Temple for people to respectfully admire.
Throughout the ages, in the pursuit of happiness, countless individuals have renounced worldly life to engage in spiritual practice. Monks and nuns who have shaved their heads and taken vows can be seen wandering in the secular world. People become monastics for various reasons, including pressure from material needs, family discord, social conflicts, life hardships, or a desire to seek liberation from the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Some renounce the worldly life to transcend desires, cultivate spiritual practices, and embark on the path to enlightenment. However, those who renounce a life of wealth, family, and worldly pleasures to become monastics are extremely rare.
Modern figures like Venerable Xuyun, Master Hongyi, Master Nenghai, and Master Longlian are typical examples of genuine monastics. Their renunciation was wholeheartedly directed towards the Buddha, without worldly attachments. When they made the decision to become monastics, their minds were solely focused on Buddha and Bodhisattvas, despite their flourishing family lives, prosperity, talents, and widespread respect. They left their homes without any attachments, not even informing their families. Suddenly, they abandoned their comfortable lives and became ascetics in the temples. Such individuals are rare, occurring perhaps once in several decades.
However, today, there is a Bhikshuni (Buddhist nun) who has renounced the world in an extraordinary way, captivating people’s hearts. She was originally known as Renbo Rinpoche, with the Dharma name “Awangdeji,” and held some reputation in Chinese Buddhist circles. She had centers in over twenty provinces in China, and her organization had a presence in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Wherever she went, male and female disciples welcomed her with reverence. Despite her prosperous personal business, she decided to renounce her worldly life.
Twenty years ago, she practiced the Sakya tradition but found no progress in her path. Seeking guidance, she turned to the profound teachings of the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Within a year, she completed her studies and realized that her previous practice was a common worldly path accessible to everyone, not true Buddhist teachings. In 2011, after rigorous examinations, she obtained certificates of realization that many other high lamas could not attain.
Her dedication, compassion, and influence attracted jealousy and rumors from some ordinary practitioners. However, Awangdeji Rinpoche bore no resentment, remaining calm and patient, even praising those who spread rumors. In response to societal criticisms, the International Buddhist Sangha Association sought an objective assessment from the United International World Buddhist Headquarters. After a solemn examination, she was praised by seventeen examiners for her moral virtues and realization.
During the examination, when Awangdeji Rinpoche’s consciousness soared, she personally saw Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, fulfilling a vow made to Avalokiteshvara. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she immediately renounced worldly life. Without her family’s knowledge, she underwent tonsure in Lianfeng Temple, Taiwan, adopting the Dharma name “Zhengda.” She relinquished all worldly wealth and family joy, untainted by the six dusts, transcending the ordinary and entering the realm of the holy.
On December 12th, 2012, a Assembly was held to bestow the initiation of “Selection Made in Dark Confinement from One-Hundred Dharmas to Choose the Door toward Enlightenment” upon Dharma Master Zhengda. This Assembly concluded that Dharma Master Zhengda was a reincarnated holy one and a trusted aide of the Tara. Her status of the dharma was extremely high, at the upper level representing the summit of esoteric Buddhism.
On May 25, 2013, Master Zhengda was honored with the Grand Cross of Humanitarian Merit by the Spanish Humanitarian Merit Association. This award, established and presented by the association, is specifically given to international figures who have made outstanding contributions to promoting world peace, advocating for humanitarian equality, and excelling in public administration, education, arts, charity, and other fields.
After receiving the sacred inner tantric initiation from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, she experienced a remarkable transformation, surpassing ordinary spiritual attainments and delving into profound realms. The International World Buddhist Headquarters at October 25th, 2019 officially acknowledges her as a JiaoZun (Golden Button Stage II), having successfully passed examination conducted and validated by about twenty buddhist masters and monastics. She stands as an embellishment to Buddhism, a virtuous teacher, and a refuge for sentient beings.
ZhengDa Jiaozun is currently the Vice President of the World Buddhist Headquarters, concurrently serving as the Honorary Chairman of the International Buddhist Sangha and the abbot of many temples worldwide. Presently, she resides at the Holy Miracle Temple in Los Angeles and the Benevolence Temple in Las Vegas.
Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the only certified Buddha in our world and the first in history to truly manifest the great accomplishments of the Five Vidyas according to the highest standards of Buddhism, encompassing both exoteric and esoteric teachings. Additionally, he is the only Buddha, apart from Shakyamuni Buddha, to have a government proclamation of ‘Buddha Day’ worldwide. As the true embodiment of the Supreme Dharma Lord, Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the highest leader of the entire Buddhist faith.
Many highly realized Buddhist leaders including Bodhisattva Dharma Kings and the leaders of major sects and schools have recognized H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as the third true incarnation in this world of the original samboghakaya dharma king. A full listing of the Dharma Kings and other Rinpoches with their letters of recognition and congratulation may be found in the treasure book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the unprecedented great sage who embodies selfless virtue, being the first to altruistically benefit all sentient beings without accepting any offerings.
The awards and honors bestowed upon H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are numerous. For instance, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., proclaimed January 19, 2011, as ‘H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day,’ urging people to pay homage to him. The U.S. Congress Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice issued an open letter praising the esteemed Buddhist leader H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for his outstanding contributions to humanity, supporting his tireless efforts to enhance moral civilization, promote prosperity in the United States, and foster world peace.
In February 2011, the entire U.S. Congress, along with the Chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast, extended an invitation to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as a religious leader to participate in the prayer breakfast led by President Obama, attended by the highest authorities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Moreover, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III received the ‘Presidential Gold Medal’ from President Bush on behalf of the Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, the ‘International Service and Leadership Award’ from the Martin Luther King Legacy Association, and 56 other major awards from senators, representatives, governors, and various levels of government.
The World Peace Prize was awarded the highest honor to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in 2011!
In June 2011, Namo the Third Supreme Tathagata received the highest honor of the World Peace Prize in the U.S. Congress. This prestigious award is presented by the ‘World Peace Mission.’ Since its establishment in 1989, the World Peace Prize has been awarded to individuals dedicated to mediating political disputes, international and economic matters, contributing to the safety and stability of human society. The World Peace Mission is an international evangelical missionary organization with the goal of promoting peace, upholding the spirit of equality, and fostering cooperation among religions.
Recipients of the highest honor of the World Peace Prize include the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan; the revered Mahatma Gandhi of India; the 12th President of the Philippines, Ramos; the fourth President of Indonesia, Wahid; former Egyptian President Mubarak; former President Nakamura of Palau; the first President of Mongolia, Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat; the first President of South Korea, Lee Seung-won; former Israeli Prime Minister Rabin; former Nigerian President Yakubu Gowon; Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, among others. The World Peace Prize was co-founded by former U.S. Congressman Robert Leggett and evangelical religious leader Dr. Han Min-su. Guided by the principle of benefiting others, they promote religious cooperation and uphold human peace. The World Peace Prize Committee comprises outstanding judges from different countries, backgrounds, races, and beliefs, demonstrating the spirit of human unity.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has been recognized by the World Peace Prize Committee for selflessly dedicating himself globally, saving others. His wisdom and compassionate embrace encompass all races, ethnicities, cultures, and religions, bringing goodness, peace, and harmony to everyone. Wherever he goes, his humility and compassion unite people. His contributions to human society, including teachings, healing, and charitable work, truly embody the compassion of Buddha, becoming a role model for all. His sublime character shines through his teachings, healing, charity work, leading people onto the paths of morality and charity. Simultaneously, he is an outstanding artist, pointing out a non-violent, charitable, and loving path for humanity through his teachings, practices, arts, and poetry.
United States Senate Resolution No. 614
In December 2012, the 112th United States Congress Senate unanimously passed Resolution 614, commending the World Peace Prize and its recipients. In this resolution, the U.S. Senate not only acknowledged the World Peace Mission as an organization with a sublime core spirit but also recognized the World Peace Prize as a prestigious award presented by the World Peace Mission to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and human enlightenment. The Senate also affirmed the World Peace Prize Evaluation Committee’s recognition of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for his contributions to a wide range of humanitarian activities benefiting people in various communities worldwide. Additionally, the Senate acknowledged the numerous awards bestowed upon H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, including the Presidential Gold Medal presented by President George W. Bush on behalf of the Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee, recognizing his outstanding contributions to art, medicine, morality, Buddhism, spiritual leadership, and American society.
The Senate resolution uses ‘H.H.’ to title and honor H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, indicating the highest esteem of the U.S. Congress for his supreme and unparalleled status. Simultaneously, the Senate resolution records explicitly express the U.S. Congress’s recognition of the World Peace Prize Evaluation Committee as a sublime and honorable international organization.”
In May 2018, the U.S. Congress raised the flag in tribute to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
On May 15, 2018, the American flag was hoisted at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., waving in the air to specially celebrate the happy birthday of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III! The flag-raising statement from the U.S. Congress reads: ‘On the occasion of the birthday of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the American flag flies over the Capitol, paying tribute to the supreme leader of all Buddhists, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In 2018, the World Peace Prize Committee bestowed upon H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III the title and staff of ‘World Buddhist Pope.’ Faced with this pinnacle honor and position in the world, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III refused to accept it. Despite repeated pleas from the World Buddhist Headquarters, His Holiness adamantly declined. In the end, due to circumstances, the title was accepted on his behalf. His Holiness solemnly stated, ‘I am just a practitioner. What is this about a World Buddhist Pope? In Buddhist history, there are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Arhats, Elders, Dharma Kings, Geshe, Khenpo, Abbots, and Head Monks, but never have I seen a Buddhist Pope. Even if they confer the title today, so what? The term ‘Pope’ may be invaluable to others, but for me, a humble practitioner, it is nothing more than a joke! I am merely a servant of sentient beings, doing practical things for their benefit. Though my abilities are limited, can’t I contribute a bit of goodwill? The World Buddhist Headquarters accepted the Pope’s staff on my behalf; it was not my delegation. It was received by the headquarters, their affair, and I have no right to intervene. I remain myself. At the headquarters, I saw the top of the staff adorned with the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha. At that moment, I raised the staff above my head in reverence to Shakyamuni Buddha – the Lord of Buddhism. I am, as always, a humble practitioner.’
His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III’s words and actions embody the unparalleled enlightenment of a true Buddha. Regardless of praise or criticism, His Holiness remains undisturbed, dedicating all vows and actions to the liberation and benefit of sentient beings. Upholding the true Buddhist Dharma, free from sectarian distinctions, he imparts teachings to disciples such as Hou Yu Shan and Lin Liu Hui Xiu, guiding them to the Pure Land, meeting Amitabha Buddha, returning to the human world prepared, and attaining rebirth at the right time. His Holiness invited Amitabha Buddha to transmit teachings to Zhao Yu Sheng, and disciples like Hai Lao Monk and Lu Dong Zan have achieved remarkable results, demonstrating the effectiveness of his teachings.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has received numerous worldly honors, introducing unparalleled Yun Sculpture art to the world. Nurturing disciples who have attained liberation and genuine accomplishments in the sacred teachings of Buddhism, His Holiness has also left sacred traces globally. These achievements attract officials, celebrities, and Buddhist disciples worldwide, seeking to meet and learn from him. The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Culture and Art Museum houses His Holiness’s masterpieces, including the revered ‘Yun Sculpture.’ This new form of sculptural art is considered an invaluable creation that transcends replication in the human world. The museum proudly preserves the first piece of Yun Sculpture, ‘One Stone Horizontal Charm.’
To commemorate January 19th as ‘H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day,’ the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Culture and Art Museum organized a grand blessing and liberation event on January 14, 2024, at the Marina Del Rey waterfront in Los Angeles. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Shi Zhengda, Vice Chairman of the World Buddhist Headquarters. Over 300 participants from various states in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and other regions attended the event. Globally, Buddhist temples and centers joined in activities such as liberation ceremonies, disaster relief, education assistance, and aid for the impoverished to celebrate this auspicious day. The activities sought blessings, wisdom, well-being, disaster relief, national peace, and world peace amid the challenges of today’s global society.
Once, the Blessed One resided in Savatthi, at Jeta’s Grove in Anathapindika’s monastery. Addressing the assembly of monks, he spoke, “Monks!”
Respectfully, the monks replied, “Yes, Lord.”
The Blessed One shared guidance on cultivating a focused mind, highlighting five essential themes for monks to consider at the appropriate times.
Firstly, if unwholesome thoughts arise during meditation, connected to desire, aversion, or delusion, the monk should shift attention to a different theme associated with what is skillful. By doing so, the disturbing thoughts subside, allowing the monk to steady, settle, unify, and concentrate the mind.
If, despite this shift, unskillful thoughts persist, the monk should examine the drawbacks: recognizing them as unskillful, blameworthy, and causing stress. Through this scrutiny, the undesirable thoughts fade away, and the monk attains mental steadiness.
In the rare case that unwholesome thoughts persist, the monk should practice indifference, paying no mind to them. By disregarding these thoughts, the monk frees the mind from their influence and achieves concentration.
Should the unskillful thoughts persist even with indifference, the monk is advised to focus on relaxing thought-fabrication concerning those thoughts. This practice enables the abandonment of the troublesome thoughts and promotes mental stability.
In the event that unwholesome thoughts persist during the relaxation of thought-fabrication, the monk is encouraged to employ a more forceful approach. With teeth clenched and tongue pressed against the roof of the mouth, the monk should beat down, constrain, and crush the unskillful thoughts with awareness. This resolute effort results in the abandonment of disturbing thoughts and the attainment of mental concentration.
A monk who successfully applies these methods is recognized as having mastery over thought sequences. Such a monk can choose to think or not think as desired, having severed craving and liberated themselves from the fetters. Through a deep understanding of conceit, they have reached the cessation of suffering and stress.
Upon hearing these teachings, the monks were gratified, finding delight in the Blessed One’s words.
Many individuals perceive magical events, such as the Statue of Liberty disappearing or David Copperfield flying through the air, as mysterious. They find Krisha Lawar’s ability to walk through concrete walls equally enigmatic. However, what truly encapsulates magnificence in mystery is Amang Nopu Pamu’s remarkable ability to draw nectar from the realm of the Buddhas into our world. We firmly believe that this transcends the ordinary and qualifies as an accredited mystery.
On September 8th, 1997, numerous Rinpohes participated in various segments of a Nectar Sharma Assembly hosted by Amang Nopu Pamu. The following account, penned by Rinpoche Ga Du, provides an authentic narrative of the event.
A FAMOUs RINPOCHE OF THE Nyingma school said the following: “When Dharma King Pamu conducted the Nectar Dharma Assembly, I was in Seattle. I truly planned to rush over to Washington D.C. to attend, but there were always some doubts in my mind. I was not able to vanquish such doubts. I was not able to rush over to the Dharma Assembly. “In our minds, Pamu is, of course, a Holy Mother. Her realization is truly foremost. She is pre-eminent among female yidams at the highest level. At the age of eight, she was able to write a penetrating commentary on logical reasoning. No other person in this world has been able to do that. Further-more, she mastered the entire Tripitaka at the age of 20. She also wrote five commentaries, such as The Prajna of Ultimate Reality and Entering the Door of the Dharma, along with other Buddhist books. Throughout the history of Buddhism, it is truly difficult to find such a Holy One. In our hearts, Pamu is truly the most revered one on whom we can rely. “As a Rinpoche who has reached a rather high state of realization, I do not have any doubt whatsoever about the Buddha Dharma. I practice the Dharma every day and have seen many supernormal states. I transmit the Dharma to others to save them and have many disciples. These are the duties of those of us who are Rinpoches. However, the doubt that I had was as fol-lows: Is there really such a thing as the Buddhas bestowing nectar from the sky? I have seen the magnificent Buddhas during my meditation. However, I have never seen a state where the Buddhas transform themselves and appear in this world, where they appear live in our real world right before us. “Because of various causes and conditions, I was not able to personally attend the Nectar Dharma Assembly conducted by Pamu. This is something that I regret most of all. It was only after I saw the live videotape of the Buddhas bestowing nectar, along with the photographs, that I realized I was like an immature, ignorant, and pitiful child!
“According to mundane logical thinking, it is impossible for such a mysterious thing to have occurred in this world. However, it truly did occur in this world in front of a number of people! I would like to say that I do not know how to explain this. Ordinary language, high-tech principles, or the most advanced scientific theories cannot explain such a thing. This mysterious thing simply cannot be explained. It is truly wonderful, magnificent, and unbelievable!” The true feelings expressed by that Rinpoche were also the feelings I had 30 years ago. When I was a boy, I was acknowledged as the reincarnation of a Holy One, as a Rinpoche. Thus, I have always been extremely loyal to the Buddha Dharma, and I respectfully learned the Buddha Dharma. I can be called a devout Buddhist disciple. However, with respect to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taking away a piece of paper on the spot!’ or the Buddhas themselves bestowing nectar from clouds in the sky, I always harbored some doubts, which I could not overcome. This is the reason why I never personally encountered, experienced, or saw such things.
Thirty years later, I extricated myself from that diabolical state of doubt when I received the Inner-Tantric Initiation. Because I was able to remove the shackles of doubt, I experienced many wonderful benefits. My supernormal skills and depth of realization increased dramatically. I also believe that my having had the good fortune to participate in the great Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assembly conducted by Amang Nopu Pamu, thereby obtaining firsthand experience, was probably due to the fact that I finally overcame those diabolical doubts. It was probably connected with the fact that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, seeing in my mind that those doubts were overcome, bestowed upon me this good fortune.
I saw the entire Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assembly conducted by Dharma King Pamu and the incomparably wonderful states that appeared on the ground and in the air. I personally saw no fewer than 1,000 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. I saw the Long Life Buddha bestow nectar. When thinking of how ignorant I was 30 years ago, I feel deeply disgusted with myself and deeply remorseful. When I think about those who are ignorant, pitiful Rinpoches, I think of those practitioners who have not seen true Buddha Dharma states. I believe that not seeing such states is due to their ignorance and foolishness. Maybe even after they see photographs of true nectar, they will still harbor doubts about its genuineness.
In order to prevent other practitioners of Buddhism from taking the tortuous and sinful route that I took, as a Rinpoche with a heart of humility and as one who has been through it before, I must remind and warn those who harbor such doubts that if you continue to give rise to such doubts, you will definitely be guilty of a huge sin!
White Bodhi Nectar
You ought to step back and consider the mysteriously natural structure of the nectar. Other than the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who could construct such a wonderful and mysterious structure? What skilled craftsman or master artisan in the world could do so? In the entire world, there is no such skilled craftsman or master artisan!
What is even more important is that the Rinpoches and other Buddhist practitioners in attendance all attested to their personal participation in the assembly and what they personally saw. If they spoke falsely, they would naturally descend into the Vajra Hell realm! Is it really possible that these Rinpoches do not know the incomparable suffering of hell? Is it really possible that these Rinpoches and other practitioners of Buddhism are willing to falsely attest and descend into hell? Every sentence that I have written here is from the bottom of my heart. I would like to earnestly tell all of those ignorant people who still harbor doubts that they must definitely not follow in my ignorant footsteps of 30 years ago!
Once upon a time, it is said that the Buddha resided in Shravasti, specifically in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary.
Mahamaudgalyayana, having recently attained the six penetrations, felt a deep desire to repay the kindness of his parents for raising him. Utilizing his divine vision, he surveyed the world and discovered that his departed mother was reborn among the hungry ghosts, emaciated and without sustenance.
Touched by compassion and sadness, Mahamaudgalyayana filled a bowl with food and approached his mother to provide nourishment. However, as she attempted to consume the food, it inexplicably transformed into burning coals, rendering it inedible.
In anguish, Mahamaudgalyayana hurried back to the Buddha to recount this sorrowful experience.
The Buddha, acknowledging the profound and entrenched offenses of Mahamaudgalyayana’s mother, explained that individual efforts alone were insufficient to liberate her. Even though filial sentiments could move heaven and earth, the combined spiritual power of the Sangha from the ten directions was necessary for her liberation.
The Buddha proceeded to impart a salvific teaching, a method to alleviate the suffering and remove obstacles from accumulated offenses. He instructed Mahamaudgalyayana to make offerings to the assembled Sangha on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, known as Pravarana day. These offerings included clean basins filled with diverse flavors, the five fruits, incense, oil, lamps, candles, beds, and bedding – the best of worldly offerings. The entire virtuous Sangha, regardless of their location or spiritual accomplishments, was to gather on that day and partake in the pravarana food.
By making such offerings, Mahamaudgalyayana’s parents, as well as ancestors of seven generations, could escape the paths of suffering and attain liberation. The Buddha directed the assembled Sangha to recite mantras and vows for the benefit of the donor’s family.
Delighted by this guidance, Mahamaudgalyayana and the great Bodhisattvas followed the Buddha’s instructions. As a result, Mahamaudgalyayana’s mother found liberation from the prolonged suffering of the hungry ghosts.
Expressing gratitude, Mahamaudgalyayana inquired if future disciples, by offering Ullambana basins, could similarly assist their present and past parents. The Buddha affirmed this, emphasizing the importance of practicing compassionate filial conduct on the fifteenth day of the seventh month.
He urged disciples to place diverse foods in Ullambana basins and offer them to the Pravarana Sangha of the ten directions. The practitioners should vow to ensure their parents’ longevity and happiness, as well as the liberation of seven generations of ancestors from the realm of hungry ghosts.
In conclusion, the Buddha encouraged all disciples to consistently recall their parents and ancestors, offering Ullambana basins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month as a gesture of filial compassion. This practice, he emphasized, was a respectful way to repay the boundless kindness bestowed by one’s parents. The bhikshu Maudgalyayana and the entire assembly, inspired by the Buddha’s teachings, joyfully embraced this compassionate practice. And thus, the Buddha spoke of the Ullambana Sutra, providing a timeless guide for repaying the kindness of parents.
I have followed this Buddha – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, before I even knew He was a Buddha, because I wanted to learn the Buddha-dharma of Shakyamuni Buddha; the dharma that can enlighten and enable one to attain liberation from samsara. I am grateful to all the other teachers who helped me on this path, but I have come to know that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is truly a holy being and has the Buddha-dharma that can enable us to become Bodhisattvas and eventually Buddhas. I don’t see that anywhere else, but I do see a lot of erroneous and even evil practices that do not provide the power of the dharma that Shakyamuni Buddha brought to this world. I am alarmed at the secularization of Buddhism that has occurred in the West. It would seem that much of what is presented as Buddhism today is mainly a form of mindfulness that is a method to develop concentration, reduce stress, and achieve serenity. These are all worthy by-products and useful, but fall far short of the wonders and marvelous existence taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. People do not believe in the power of the Buddha-dharma, because they have never experienced or seen it.
I would like to share two true stories about my wonderful Buddha Master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III:
Some time ago my Buddha Master, asked me to practice the Modesty and Patience Dharma taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. The Buddha Master taught me how to respect persons lower than myself and told me to prostrate to those who were lower than me in their cultivation. To tell you the truth this bothered me. How could I possibly prostrate to them? The Buddha Master told me that in His past lives Shakyamuni Buddha prostrated to everyone. Shakyamuni Buddha practiced in this way to cut off self-attachment and practice forbearance.
One night at Hua Zang Si, a rinpoche attempted the Hidden Mani Stone Selection Dharma. After finding the first stone, he tried for a long time and was never able to locate the second stone that we had hidden. However, I was able at that time to see them. Because he found one of the mani stones, the temple arranged for me to prostrate to him at the end of the Dharma Assembly. To tell you the truth, my first reaction was resentment—I was almost even angry. Based on my own practice, how could I prostrate to this person who had not been able to successfully complete the test, when I could have easily done so? When this thought just appeared, I saw my Buddha Master teaching me forbearance again and I was very ashamed. However, several days passed, but I was still bothered by this, so I went to see my Buddha Master and asked: “How can I prostrate to a person who doesn’t have my vajra power in front of so many people?” My Buddha Master asked me, “Did you forget the true story I told you about Shakyamuni Buddha? Putting yourself as low as possible is the true way to true cultivation.” At the same time I saw that my Buddha Master had the best understanding in all of esoteric and exoteric Buddhism and had complete mastery of all five of the vidyas. My Buddha Master is a great Dharma King. At that time His identity as a Buddha had not yet been announced to the public, but we already knew that He was a great Dharma King. How could I not listen to His teachings?
I thought for some time, just which great Bodhisattva is my Buddha Master? Then I had a shocking experience that I have not shared publicly before. I actually saw my Dharma King Master drastically change His appearance in a very short period of time. Even though my Buddha Master had predicted that He would on such and such a day take on the negative karma of others and would not be available to meet the public, I was not prepared for what I saw. He appeared on the predicted day looking very ugly and old—His face was bloodied as if He had just been severely beaten. His eyes were swollen and half closed! There were many people standing around, but they seemed to be accepting of this condition. I had been thinking that, because of His accomplishments in both exoteric Buddhism and esoteric Buddhism and the Five Vidyas, my Master must be a Buddha, but how could this be true when He looks so old and decrepit? I could barely stand looking at my beloved Dharma King Master when He was like this. Remember, at that time we did not know that our Dharma King Master was a Buddha. In less than an hour, I looked again, and my Buddha Master had changed to a beautiful young man. I was shocked. Oh, my God. How could this be? My Master is a Buddha! What I was thinking is true! He is not just a Bodhisattva, but a Buddha. I looked around, but no one else was shocked or showing any reaction at all to what had just happened. I looked again at my Master and He just smiled. He put His finger to His mouth and quietly said “shhh” and I realized that no one else had seen this transformation, but I knew this fact about the Buddha.
These photos were true records of the holy miracle Buddha Dharma, they are now displayed at Hua Zang Si, at San Francisco
The True Story of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng)
Article provided by Jinghan
There have been great practitioners who attained the accomplishment of the Rainbow-Light Body (the ability of moving one’s body anywhere at will without being blocked or stopped by any material or force) in our current era. This is a true story. A Khenpo who cultivated at the Zhuqing Temple, in order to liberate himself at the time of Cultural Revolution in China and in order to inspire the later generations to believe in the Buddha-dharma, manifested his entering of nirvana in the form of demonstrating his Rainbow-Light Body.
There really have been great practitioners with the accomplishment of Rainbow-Light Body! Khenpo Chichengluozhu once investigated and reported such an event.
Under Shining Daylight and in Front of Many People’s Eyes, a Person Vanished with His Body into Nowhere
Investigation on a person’s mysterious disappearance 44 years ago
Time can erase people’s memory on many things in the past. As each day slipped by us, we may suddenly realize that the past would never come back. Only some very special events will pass the filtering of time to remain at the bottom of our hearts and coalesce into unforgettable scenes in our memory.
I am certain that, to many people who live in Tongde County, Huangnan Region, Qinghai Province, Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) is such a treasured memory in their minds. This great accomplished practitioner of the Nyingma Sect who suddenly flew away and disappeared into the sky in September, 1958, in front of the soldiers who escorted him, has evolved from a topic of after-dinner chat among local people into a legendary character in people’s minds. He was eventually elevated into the status of a spiritual leader and source of confidence. During the time of over 40 years that the story has been spread by word of mouth, a question exists. Is this an image created by people’s illusion for resting their fragile hearts, or is this a living drama of freedom from birth and death performed by a truly accomplished practitioner with the achievement of flying and vanishing away? Many people, including myself, had thought about, analyzed, and even doubted this matter. However, we all based our thinking on a simple and self-evident truth: we cannot rule out the possible existence of something we did not see. Insisting on seeing-with-my-own-eyes and hearing-with-my-own-ears may still lead to hearing “true stories” from other people. In analyzing a complex event, respecting the facts is the best way in finding the underlying truth. Only time can provide the most fair and eventual testing and judgment. With such a motive, I stepped onto the legendary land of Huangnan in Qinghai Province. My sole purpose was to depict a true picture of and provide the true story about Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng), for benefiting the people, especially the future generations.
1. Brief Introduction on the Life of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng)
Before I describe the process and findings from my investigation, let me first give an introduction on the life of this Master of the Nyingma Sect to the readers. I’d like to stress the following: the information and materials I collected were all from reliable sources.
Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) was born in 1883, in Maiwa Village of Hongyuan County, Sichuan Province. At the age of 10, he entered the Zhaxiquenang (meaning auspicious dharma bell) Temple to study the dharma. When he was 15, he had a formal ceremony to receive the precepts and became a monk. Then, he immediately went to the Zhuqing Temple, one of the six major temples of the Nyingma Sect to study the Tripitaka and took refuge with a number of great accomplished masters. At the age of 25, he received the perfect and complete precepts of Bhiksu to become a monk. Since then, he strictly abided by the precepts and carefully avoided violations as if protecting his own eyes. Eventually, his clothing, waist belt, meditation mattress and other things used daily all had a clear and pure scent coming out of them. During this long period of cultivation and questing for the dharma, he received many initiations within the lineage of the Nyingma Sect, and demonstrated many times that he had above-normal character, including being conversant in the Sutra and Tantra teachings and superlative wisdom. When he was 30, he was accepted by Maipeng Rinpoche to learn the profound dharma. When the Master taught him the dharma with the linage from Manjushri Bodhisattva, he was instantly enlightened by the essence of the Bright and Great Perfection. From then on, he easily commanded many Sutras and the classic books of Esoteric Buddhism (tantras).
Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) then went to the mountains to cultivate ascetic practices. His ascetic practices can truly be regarded as representative and a role model among all ascetic practitioners. First, because of the living conditions at the time, the external environment for practicing asceticism was extremely challenging and tough. On the other hand, Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin’s (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng’s) will and determination through his persistence and devotion under the cruel conditions were very moving and inspiring to other people. Every meal, he just ate a little roasted barley flour along with a bowl of water. Such a daily intake of thin flour soups had made a small bag of roasted barley flour last for a whole year. He lived such a life without sufficient food throughout the long period of ascetic practices. At one time, when roasted barley flour and cooking oil was used up, he had to cook the cow-skin container bag for cooking oil as food to sustain his life. The lack of food was not the only major hindrance for Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng). With no oil for light at night, he could only study books by moonlight. While climbing the hill following the movement of moonlight, he would eventually reach the summit peak. There was such scenery at the place he was cultivating: when the sunlight began to shine on the summit peak, his shadow would be there to see off the last ray of moonlight. During the nights without moonlight, he would use the almost lightless light from the ashes of the cooking bonfire to read the Sutras.
To Tsewang Rigdzin (Chaiwan Runzheng), his sleeping at night had almost been completely substituted by meditation. He had no additional clothing to what he wore during the day for keeping warm at night. Through such ascetic practices, one night in his dreams, he met the founding master of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava, who was wearing an amber necklace. Since then, his wisdom was so stimulated that he was able to memorize and recite Sutras that are as long as 24,000 words.
While cultivating inside the snow mountain near the Zhuqing Temple, Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) ate only one meal a day. Sometimes, he might be without food for three days in a row. To make himself more alert and to keep from falling asleep during meditation, he sat on the snow-covered ground with bare-feet, wearing only one short skirt! Due to the long-time exposure to ice and snow, his feet suffered permanent damage and since then he could only walk with the aid of two walking sticks.
That is how this genuine practitioner cultivated himself under all types of hardships and stress. He applied all aspects of his three karmas of body, voice, and mind to quest for and to experience the essence of the dharma. At the same time, his life demonstrated, to people in this world, the possibility and pathway in attaining enlightenment in one’s current life. Even the side effects he suffered in the form of bodily handicaps (he needed to be carried in order to move) was just an indication of not being attached to worldly affairs from an accomplished practitioner with the achievement of the Rainbow-Light Body. Huadan, the care-taker of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng), had in-depth knowledge on this. Once, Huadan was tying the waist belt for his master. Unexpectedly, the whole belt completely penetrated the waist of the Master and came back to his hand. Huadan was totally surprised. He did the tying one more time and made a tight knot. However, when he started to use a little force to tighten the belt, the whole belt again completely penetrated the Master’s body. Only then Huadan realized the real reason for what happened.
With the achievement of the Rainbow-Light Body, there was no shadow from the body of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) under light during evenings and at night. Another indication of the Rainbow-Light Body achievement is that the body cannot be blocked or stopped by any worldly material or force. Another care-taker of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng), Arluo, had personally witnessed the penetrating capability of the Master’s body.
One day, Arluo was leaving home to run an errand. As usual, he left the Master resting in the bedroom and locked the door when leaving the house. When he was returning home from the errand, he was totally shocked to see the Master sitting outside the house. Normally, the Master would be carried to get out of the house for sunlight. How could he get out this time, with the door being locked? Arluo verified that the door was still locked and without any damage. Then he checked the window, which was also closed from the inside. Besides, the size of the window would not even allow a person to get through. The only possible answer was that Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin’s (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng’s) body had become a Rainbow-Light Body or Vajra-immortal body.
Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) had pushed away all worldly attachment to concentrate on cultivating the path toward the supreme Buddha-dharma. However, due to certain causes and affinity, in 1951, at the elderly age of 68, he was respectfully invited to be in change of the Shangdan Temple in Tongde County, Huangnan Region of Qinghai Province. At that time, Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Master Chaiwan Runzheng) was quietly cultivating in the Yellow-Dragon Holly Mountain in Jiuzhaigou area of Sichuan Province. The invitation came from Jinmei-deqing-duojie, the reincarnated third-generation Zhongwuo Rinpoche, who was the founding master of the Digan Temple in Tongde County. At that time, the construction of the Shangdan Temple was not completed yet. With the help of Jinmei-deqing-duojie Rinpoche, Master Tsewang Rigdzin (Chaiwan Runzheng) oversaw the completion and opening of Shangdan Temple at the end of 1951. Since then, I have been the abbot of the Shangdan Temple. Before 1958, Shangdan Temple had been the home base of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) for propagating the dharma and benefiting living beings.
Another event that occurred during this period can be regarded as a footnote to the later mysterious disappearance of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng). After he had settled in Shangdan Temple, his hometown Hongyuan kept sending people to ask him to come back. Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) declined all their invitations. Once, after going to the toilet, he called his disciples over and said, “These (people from Hongyuan) insisted on getting me back there, but I will not go. Through the years, my practice of the Phowa Dharma has reached a very high level. I am able to reincarnate myself. The temple here is still relatively new, you all must manage everything well. If they force me to go back, I will reincarnate myself on the way back.”
This story tells us that Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) was able to control his life or death using the Phowa Dharma. There were more examples that provided explanations to what he did later on. Here is another.
Three people, Dawa, Wangqin and Nanda, who currently still live in Tongde County, remember to this day an event that occurred shortly before Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin’s (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng’s) flying away. At the time, they and the Khenpo were to be sent to prison. Before starting their prison terms, the four and some other detainees were temporally held in a military camp. Dawa was 21 years old and Wangqin and Nanda were about the same age. The three all witnessed a scene of the Khenpo’s practicing the Phowa Dharma in front of people.
When the Khenpo chanted the first sound of “Ho”, they all saw that his hair pointed upward and his ears were growing and expanding, until reaching the forehead. At that time, an officer quickly came and pointed his pistol toward the Khenpo’s head. The Khenpo was not at all affected by this. He spitted another “Ho.” The three then saw that all his hairs were pointing up and the ears had grown to the top of his head. The officer then yelled to the Khenpo for a while, as if telling him not to make the sound of “Ho” again. The Khenpo calmly accepted the officer’s instruction and stopped the Phowa Dharma. He said OK to the officer.
44 years after that, the elderly Dawa was still very moved when talking about that event: “I was very close to the Master at the time. There were only two people between him and me. I clearly saw the entire process from beginning to the end. Now I understand. If the Master wished to leave, he could have done that right away but he chose to stay for the time being.”
2. Flying Away into the Sky
Let’s end here the brief introduction about Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin’s (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng’s) life before his flying-away. What is described below is one popular version of the event that was commonly known to the elder local people in Tongde County. This version was known to most people and believed by most people. Our investigation, witness interviewing, analysis and verification were conducted around this version.
According to local people, one day in September of 1958, a mass assembly was to be held near the Digan Temple in Tongde County to criticize and interrogate Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng). At that time, he was already in jail in the County Prison. Several small hills must be crossed from the prison to the site of the mass assembly. Several soldiers were escorting the Khenpo after taking him from the prison. Because of his handicap, the Khenpo was allowed to ride on the back of a red yak. When the group of five or six people were approaching their destination, an extremely strong and violent whirlwind (cyclone) suddenly took place. The wind was so strong that none of the soldiers could open their eyes. Their location at the time was close to the top of a hill, with a distance of several kilometers from the Digan Temple. After the wind had gone away, the soldiers started to look around. However, Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) was no longer on the yak. Before starting the trip, to prevent an accident, the soldiers had tied the Khenpo tightly on the back of the yak with rope. All their efforts were proven to be in vain, because the Khenpo had flown into the sky, accompanied by several auspicious colored clouds. This event was witnessed by many people at the scene.
3. My Investigation
If you come to Tongde County and mention the name of Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin (Khenpo Chaiwan Runzheng) to people, almost anyone will tell the above story to you in similar details. Even though the story is so commonly known, I still decided to do my investigation from the start. My first goal was to clarify the doubt many people may have. On the other hand, I wanted to have the facts recorded truthfully. I wished to find out: did people put their feelings into the story so the truth got covered by kind lies? Also, between legend and fact, to what degree and scope can the truth be re-manifested?
The people I interviewed in my investigation included some who were escorting the Khenpo at the time; those who were near the location when the Khenpo was flying away, including some eye witnesses; and a number of people who listened to the entire story from eye witnesses. When putting their words into text, I wrote down exactly what they said almost without editing a word. My goal was to let the readers draw their own conclusions naturally, without being influenced by the subjective and, possibly, already fixed thinking in my mind. I believe that this style of truthfully presenting the original narration would be convincing to the readers.
My first interview was with the elderly Zhimei, who is 77 years old now. He was a local shepherd in Tongde County. He told me:
“On the day when Master Tsewang Rigdzin (Chaiwan Runzheng) was taken from the prison to the site of the mass meeting, I was watching cattle on one of the hills he must pass. I saw several soldiers passing by with the Master. They tied the Master onto the back of a red yak. When they went over the top of the hill, I was with the cattle half way on the hill. Then, I suddenly saw the Master, in monk’s clothing, started to ascend from the other side of the hill. At the beginning, he was flying up slowly. Eventually he disappeared into the clouds. Many people said that there was a strong swirling wind and auspicious colorful clouds appeared in the sky but I did not see those scenes. This may be because I was half way up this side of the hill, while the Master had already gone to the other side. All I saw was that the Master flew into the sky. I saw that with my own eyes. I was still young then with good eye sight. It would be impossible that what I saw was some illusion. Years later, the charges to those jailed in 1958 were dropped. The Master’s hometown Hongyuan also sent people to request the Master’s remains from Tongde County. I knew that they would not get them because the Master flew away into the sky. I saw that with my own eyes. I told this to my family members but I dare not to tell the people from Hongyuan. After all these years, now as an elderly person of almost 80 years old, I am telling this story again from my memory. Do you think I would fabricate it to deceive you? I absolutely do not have any false statement in it. I do not have any reason to lie on this. In general, there are two possible motives for one to lie. One is trying to reap benefits from doing so. The other is being forced to lie and under pressure. My situation has nothing to do with either of these. That’s why I can guarantee you that I did not make any false statement in what I said.”
The elderly Zhimei was an eye witness of the event. The next person I met, Chongpeier, provided detailed collaborating materials in many aspects. Also, he was the most talkative person among those I interviewed.
Chongpeier is over 60 now. He is a local resident and currently stays at home after retiring from his job. He was a middle-level cadre of Tongde County. He described to me, in great detail, what he learned on this event:
“I remember that it was a day in October of 1988. I was the director of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce Management of Tongde County then. On that day, when it was near the end of workday, a Han (mandarin) person came to see me and invited me to have dinner with him. At the dinner table, he told me his purpose of looking for me. His name was Li Desheng and he was from the Shangchun Village of Huangzhong County in Qihai Province. He came to Tongde County to buy about 500 head of cattle and lambs from local people. He wanted to ask me a favor of collecting less taxes and fees from him. He told me that he knew many senior officials in Tongde County very well, but not me. I asked him where he had worked before. He said that he has been a soldier in the security force of Tongde County and had risen to the position of a squad leader. While we were enjoying wine and dining, he told me a miraculous experience of his that was beyond imagination:
‘I saw a person who flew away in front of my own eyes. At that time, I and several soldiers of my squad were escorting that Lama from the prison to the mass meeting site near the Digan Temple. We tied him tightly onto the back of a yak and surrounded him as we were on our way. While we were climbing the hill and close to the top, he started to chant something that we could not understand. At the top of the hill, we ordered him to stop making the sound. Then we saw that the other side of the hill was flat land. Suddenly, many pieces of colored clouds flew over. The Lama got carried away by the clouds!
In Taichung there is an elderly layman. All nine members of his family are devout Buddhists. They have followed and learned from a famous old monk for many years. However, what they hear from this old monk is completely theory. Each of them can talk about the sutras in a clear and logical fashion. However, none of them have real skills associated with the Buddha-dharma.
In the autumn of 1995 the Elder Dharma King happened to be in Taiwan propagating the dharma. The elderly layman requested instruction from the Elder Dharma King by saying, “This year I am already eighty-one years old. I do things in furtherance of Buddhism everyday. I have donated over one-half of my vast wealth. Nevertheless, I have never seen a real Buddha or Bodhisattva. The only knowledge I have of supernormal dharma powers comes from what I read in books. Why do the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas not come down to our house? May I ask the Elder Dharma King, what is the Buddha-dharma?”
When the Dharma King heard these words, he chanted “Wobamei!” He then said, “Layman, you all have not learned the Buddha-dharma. How could you have any true skills?” When all of the members of the layman’s family heard this, they felt quite surprised. With his brows tightly knit, the old layman said, “My entire family devoutly learns Buddhism and recites sutras. How is it that we are not learning the Buddha-dharma? Could it be said that these sutras are all false?”
The Elder Dharma King said, “It is true that all of you are reading sutras and learning Buddhism. Those sutras are genuine sutras and are dharma treasures. The knowledge concerning Buddhism which those old monks impart to all of you is also genuine knowledge. However, this is Buddhist studies. It is not the Buddha-dharma! In Esoteric Buddhism, Buddhist studies is called the exoteric teachings portion. This is what we are required to learn when we first enter Esoteric Buddhism. After we have learned the exoteric teachings portion and we have this foundation of theory, we must then enter into real, practical cultivation of our conduct, speech and thoughts. The process of putting this into practice is called cultivation of the Buddha-dharma.
“Take, for example, the practice whereby one invites the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to bestow nectar. In theory, people think that this is simply reciting mantras, reciting passages from sutras and visualizing. In theory, people think that nectar is simply water which has been empowered by mantras. However, in the real practice of the Buddha-dharma, there is a special dharma method to invite the Buddhas to directly bestow true nectar from the sky. The shape of this nectar is unlike any other thing on this earth. It has unlimited power. It can cure all illnesses and can easily increase one’s life span! This is because this is the Buddha-dharma, not Buddhist studies.”
The old layman said, “I received the Kalachakra Vajra Initiation from the Dalai Lama!” Elder Dharma King Losang said, “Last year a Great Rinpoche wanted to introduce the Dalai Lama to me. I did not have any spare time. I wanted to do other things in furtherance of the Buddha-dharma. I did not meet him. I do not know much about him and will not comment on him. I do not have any right to inquire into that initiation. I hope that you are able to receive benefits from it.”
When the old layman and his family heard this, it was as if they had awakened from a big dream. Their eyes became teary, they knelt down on the ground and respectfully requested the Elder Dharma King to teach them the dharma. After a moment, the Elder Dharma King slowly said, “Today I will teach the dharma to your entire family. I will also teach the dharma to all living beings.” Following his words, a beam of red light emanated from in between his eyebrows which circled the room. The Elder Dharma King then said, “Do no evil. Do that which is good. Deeply study the sutras. This is Buddhist studies. Do no evil. Do that which is good. Recite the Buddha’s name with all your mind. This is the way to ascend to the Pure Land. Do no evil. Do that which is good. Deeply study the sutras. Esoteric initiations in which supernormal powers are manifested and which comply with Know the True Doctrine is the Buddha-dharma.”
After the old layman heard these words, he put his palms together and respectfully asked, “Other than Know the True Doctrine, what books should I read?” Dharma King Losang said, “With respect to Know the True Doctrine, it is enough if you understand its contents. The most important thing is that you read the books of Ah Wang Nuo Bu Pa Muand Great Dharma King Yangwo Yisinubu [H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III]. The more you read such books the better. You must also live in accordance with the principles contained therein. This is the best method!”
The old layman said, “I will remember your words. I would like to ask another question. Does every Rinpoche have a mind which regards all things as equal?” The Elder Dharma King instructed, “The most difficult thing to attain in one’s cultivation and in one’s practice of the Buddha-dharma is a mind which regards all things as equal. Without such a mind, one will pursue fame, gain, riches, high government positions and occupation of other people’s land. One with a mind which regards all things as equal does not pursue such things.
“For example, some people want to cut apart my native place, Tibet. Actually, this way of thinking is a deviation from cultivation. Is this cultivation or is this fighting for something based upon personal desire? Tibetan people, Chinese people and people of every other race and ethnicity should all be considered our close family members who are on an equal footing! We should cause all of these people to unite so that they can live together in friendship and love and develop their common happiness. The Buddha taught us that all living beings have the Buddha nature and that we should treat them equally and with love. We should not desire government positions. Only by cutting off the concept of self, cutting off erroneous thinking and cutting off attachment to things of the world can one reach high spiritual states! This is the certain truth of the Buddha-dharma. We must love others equally in order that we may give rise to the four limitless states of mind. With the four limitless states of mind as our foundation, we will be able to enter into the state of the sacred bodhimind. If one cannot even renounce selfish desires and cannot even look after all living beings on an equal basis, then how can one enlighten oneself and enlighten others?”
When Sakyamuni Buddha first established Buddhist theories, there was no dual character of Buddhist theories. There was only the sameness of theories and nature (the essence of everything). The theories in the Tripitaka expounded by the world-honored Sakyamuni Buddha came from the Buddha’s state of realization. They are a kind of explanation of the ways to realize the holy state and attain liberation and nirvana. They can be called objective writings. Such Buddhist theories were born from true holy realization. They are not groundless writings based on assumptions that arose from the level of consciousness. This is recorded in the Buddhist scriptures.
In the beginning, Buddhist theory and Buddha-dharma realization were one integral body. At first, a complete body of dharma theories and rituals were born from true realization of the Buddha-dharma holy state. Later, people attained the holy state of true realization from this complete body of dharma theories and rituals. Theory and dharma were in harmony. Theory was used to further the dharma. The dharma was manifested to further theory.
“The sect of theories and true holy realization” is in accord with the sutras and abhidharma. Those of this sect apply cognition based on correct views to directly understand cultivation, the nature of the mind, and ultimate reality. They truly realize holiness that transcends intelligence and theories. Moreover, they manifest their actual realization and thereby prove that they have attained the ultimate nirvana.
This sect uses the orthodox theories contained in the Tripitaka and esoteric scriptures as its foundation. However, its goal is not the useless speaking of theories. Those in this sect must manifest their holy state of realization.
However, as the karmic connection living beings had with the dharma changed and as a large amount of dharma and rituals were lost, Buddhism’s sameness of theories and nature (essence) imperceptibly and gradually generated a dual character. One aspect was the complete retention of theory and holy realization where each brought out the best in the other. The other aspect was pure theory that arose out of a fundamental separation from the holy state of realization. The advent of this dual character of Buddhist theories objectively caused Buddhism to form two main sects. No matter what the sect or school may be within Buddhism—whether it be Mahayana, Hinayana, exoteric or esoteric Buddhism—all sects or schools ultimately belong to one of these two main sects. The first is “the sect of theories and true holy realization.” The second is “the sect of theories, views, and understanding.” Of course, the theories I am referring to here are Buddhist theories based upon correct understanding and correct view. I am not bringing up a third category of misunderstandings and heretical views that go against the sutra teachings.
The purpose of cultivation and practice for this sect is to actually transcend, in both body and mind, the fetters of samsara. This sect has an integral lineage, integral teachings, and integral rituals. Those of this sect are able to manifest supernatural wisdom powers that transcend both the material and mental spheres. It is a sect that truly accords with the essence of the Tipitaka, the esoteric scriptures, and the various commentaries and treatises. This is the sect of perfect Buddha-dharma where theory and nature (essence) are in accord. This was the original characteristic of Buddhist theory. Such Buddha-dharma played a decisive role in the liberation and accomplishment of living beings. Included in this Buddha-dharma is the Buddha-dharma of Sakyamuni Buddha during the True Dharma Age, the Buddha-dharma transmitted by Guru Padmasambhava, the Buddha-dharma transmitted by Venerable Atisha, Master Marpa, Master Milarepa, Master Tsongkhapa, Master Nairatmya, Master Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa, Bodhidharma, Xuan-zang, Hui-neng, Master Xu-yun, and the Buddha-dharma transmitted by other truly holy beings and patriarchs throughout history. All such Buddha-dharma is the Buddha-dharma of “the sect of theories and true holy realization.” Unfortunately, at this present time on earth, this sect is very rare and very seldom seen. “The sect of theories, views, and understanding” has taken its place and become the mainstream.
“The sect of theories, views, and understanding” also uses the orthodox theories contained in the Tripitaka and esoteric scriptures as its foundation. Those of this sect apply cognition based on correct views to approach and directly understand the nature of the mind in the hope that in the end they will realize nirvana. The Buddha-dharma of this sect is only able to express theories and that which arises out of mental processes. Those in this sect do not have actual holy realization that they can display. Consequently, all they can do is use the realization states and achievements of patriarchs in earlier generations as cases in point. Most present-day Buddha-dharma belongs to this sect. This is a prevalent phenomenon in current Buddhism.
However, we must see that although the theories of this sect are also based on correct understanding and correct view, it is very difficult for this sect to produce complete liberation. It is easy for this sect to fall into meaningless intellectual frivolity. It is still a question as whether those of this sect can truly attain the liberation of ultimate nirvana. That is because it is extremely difficult to lead people into the state of holy beings by relying solely upon theories. Moreover, these theories were expressed by different people and therefore vary. For example, the views expressed in the prajna writings and Middle School (Madhyamaka) writings are not the same. The “other emptiness view” also has its own way of explaining things.
I will use the modern terms of “software” and “hardware” to give an analogy. Which one of these schools of theories is practical software that can attain the positive results that hardware can attain? It is very difficult to determine this by relying only on software itself. Only when the positive results of hardware are actually produced can it be shown whether a certain theory (software) is right or wrong. Furthermore, that which is called the dharma of Buddha-dharma should be dharma that transcends the ordinary and leads to liberation. Theories alone cannot express this extraordinariness.
This phenomenon of seeking liberation from theories and views alone is mainly the result of the loss of many dharma teachings and rituals in the course of passing down the Buddha-dharma. In the case of Tibetan esoteric dharma, there has not been much change in the theoretical part since the initial stage of esoteric dharma until now. The greatest change has been in the true realization part. When the patriarchs of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism transmitted dharma in the past, there were countless manifestations of supernatural realization powers. These astounding supernatural realization powers caused people of the world to regard Tibetan esoteric dharma as holy and special. Guru Padmasambhava and Venerable Atisha displayed a great many supernatural powers. Master Marpa practiced a dharma whereby he brought back to life animals that had already died. Patriarch Milarepa flew in the air and entered the horn of a bull to avoid hail. Guwen Rinpoche flew into the air and took with him his entire family, including the tent and domestic animals. Both of the 4th Dodrupchen Dharma Kings displayed wondrous realization powers, and so on and so forth. One can give endless examples of such holy realization powers.
The original special quality of the Buddha-dharma was that it was of “the sect of theories and true holy realization,” which manifests actual realization powers. However, with the arrival of the Dharma Ending Age, many dharmas are no longer whole. The practice of them will not produce realization powers. Much Buddha-dharma, especially the esoteric dharma, has begun to devolve toward “the sect of theories, views, and understanding.”
Take, for example, the colored sand used to form a mandala during an inner-tantric initiation in the holy form. During the time of Guru Padmasambhava, this inner-tantric initiation dharma required that certain things be done. On the surface of a large flat stone, colored sand would be used to form the shape of a mandala or a vajra seed character. A person would then apply holy realization powers, causing that design on the surface of the stone to penetrate the stone and form the same design on the sand in the mandala plate underneath that large flat stone. Such sand design in the mandala plate thereby became vajra sand that went through a stone.
However, at this present time, there is no integral dharma. People cannot produce holy realization powers through dharma practice. Thus, inner-tantric initiations in the holy form cannot be performed. The above-described process of using colored sand to form a mandala has already devolved into sprinkling colored sand directly into the mandala plate to form a mandala design. As such, there is not the slightest manifestation of holy power.
Another example is vajra pills used in inner-tantric initiations. Sixty or seventy years ago, most of the people of true and holy virtue within Tibetan esoteric Buddhism were able to make a vajra pill come to life by telekinetically making it shake or even move around. However, in present-day Tibetan esoteric dharma, a vajra pill is nothing more than a medicinal pill that is a symbolic expression of dharma.
Another example is secret-division initiations relating to gods of wealth. This is a dharma source of inner-tantric dharma in the holy sense. The practitioner receiving such an initiation will generate a holy stage right then and there in the mandala. Moreover, gold dollar treasures or a treasure-spitting mongoose made of three white things and roasted barley flour will turn over and jump into the air before the practitioner, demonstrating a holy state of physics not produced by humans. The practitioner receiving the initiation will right then and there ingest a “dharma mother seed.” Out of this practice of dharma, the god of wealth will naturally descend, thereby accomplishing the completion stage. However, this type of dharma has also been lost.
It is not just these few dharmas. Most inner-tantric initiation dharmas have already deteriorated. Accomplished ones who attained the rainbow body basically cannot be found, even in the Kathok Monastery, which was the monastery of Padmasambhava and the place where more people attained the rainbow body than anywhere else. In modern times, many dharma kings did not transform into the rainbow body and fly away at death. There are many people now who at every opportunity leave their handprints or footprints on stones to show their realization powers. However, such realization powers were not manifested under the observation of masters and witnesses there at the time. What credibility do they have?
In an interview, the famous Kasuo Rinpoche of the Longwu Monastery of the Geluk sect talked about the special societal circumstances that existed in Tibet during the fifties and sixties. As a result of those circumstances, a large number of sutras, treatises, and dharma manuals were burned. Many people of great virtue were unable to pass down integral dharma before they were forced to die. Those people of great virtue who fled to India did not take with them many dharma manuals. After that, at most only twenty or thirty percent of Tibetan esoteric dharma still remained in the world. Most such dharma has been lost forever.
It is because of this type of loss of dharma that most present-day Buddha-dharma does not produce people who can show actual realization powers. Candidly speaking, people do not understand dharma and get bogged down in hollow theories over a long period of time. Many people even misunderstand the Buddha-dharma as simply something to comprehend that is theoretical or mental in nature. Of course, they are apathetic to the matter of realization powers or even feel that it is very normal not to have realization powers. This way of thinking is actually very wrong. Theories can be used to distinguish the holy ones from the ordinary ones. However, the most important way to distinguish the genuine ones from the false ones is seeing who actually manifests holy realization powers.
Take, for example, emptiness. Even practitioners with a little knowledge are able to speak copiously about theories related to emptiness. However, are those well-organized and impressive theories, understandings, and views right or wrong in the end? This is something that understandings and views alone cannot determine. It is also something that no conscious experience born of causes and conditions can determine. Only when one abides in emptiness and true such-ness and generates supernatural wisdom powers can one truly know whether an understanding or view is right or wrong.
There was a time when Ananda had not yet realized holiness. The Arhats excluded him from the hall where they were assembling the sutras. After he realized true such-ness, returned to that hall, and stood outside its door, Venerable Mahakasyapa asked him to enter the door through the keyhole to prove that he had become enlightened. Ananda then entered the hall through the keyhole. Those who have realized emptiness and untied the knot must have supernatural holy powers enabling them to enter another dimension that ordinary human ability cannot reach. Additionally, they must have this “software accomplishment” in the form of actual and extraordinary holy powers. Only then can they prove whether a given “theory software” is correct and practical.
Thus, as for this issue, the difference between “the sect of theories, views, and understanding” and “the sect of theories and true holy realization” is that the former stops at theoretical understanding. Whether people of “the sect of theories, views, and understanding” actually realize and enter the holy state that is beyond consciousness and thereby attain liberation is something unknown. It is not that people of such sect feel secure and therefore do not manifest holy powers. Rather, they do not manifest holy powers born of enlightenment because the incomplete dharma of that sect has resulted in its followers being unable to realize such powers from their practice. “The sect of theories and true holy realization” also propagates correct dharma theories. However, it definitely does not stop at purely theoretical, quick, sharp, and incisive repartee on the dharma, nor does it get entangled with theories on understanding emptiness. Rather, by following integral dharma and rituals, the people of this sect truly realize the essence or nature of true such-ness, transcend the level of consciousness, untie the knot of suffering, attain holiness and the resulting structural transformation of body and mind, and actually reach the dimension of holiness that is beyond the cycle of reincarnation.
Although both “the sect of theories, views, and understanding” and “the sect of theories and true holy realization” strive for nirvana based upon orthodox Buddhist theories, nonetheless, due to the Buddha-dharma of each of these two sects, there are great differences in the time it takes to become accomplished and the level of accomplishment. Furthermore, because “the sect of theories, views, and understanding” is limited to purely theoretical understanding and inquiry, it is often very difficult for its followers to see things from the standpoint of the pure, liberated state of holiness in order to understand the original meaning of some super-mundane (other-worldly) dharmas. This leads them to easily adopt mistaken views and understandings. If they are slightly careless, they can even slide toward heretical views.
In this Dharma Ending Age, it is very rare to be able to learn the integral dharma of “the sect of theories and true holy realization.” Moreover, this sect is not something that is fixed. Rather, it is something that evolves. It is like those Buddha-dharmas I mentioned above. When the patriarchs transmitted Buddha-dharma, they were still part of “the sect of theories and true holy realization” in which theory and nature (essence) were one. At that time, there were numerous manifestations of true realization states. The mandala dharma rules were strict. There was an orderly distinction between what was inner-tantric, outer-tantric, and inner-tantric in the holy form. However, dharmas gradually became lost. Dharmas passed down to later generations devolved into the hollow theories of “the sect of theories, views, and understanding.”
Many people of great holiness and virtue think that because of the loss of Buddha-dharma “the sect of theories and true holy realization” composes only about one or two percent of Buddhism in the world today as compared with “the sect of theories, views, and understanding.” So-called “greatly virtuous ones” within Buddhism who have heretical understanding and views are cropping up everywhere. It is distressing to see this trend in present-day Buddhism.
