Among the finest expressions of Chinese ink artistry stands the extraordinary masterpiece, The Mystical Cat. This enchanting work features a mystical cat rendered in soft gray tones, brought to life with just a few expressive strokes. Its piercing eyes radiate spirit and depth, while a mysterious, subtle smile lingers—captivating and thought-provoking.
The cat’s fur, depicted with delicate and fluid brushwork, dances between the forms of flowing water and drifting clouds. The texture appears so soft and inviting that one feels compelled to reach out and touch it. Yet, upon closer examination, the illusion reveals itself—those masterful brushstrokes are undeniably the cat’s fur. The intricate variations and richness of detail make this artwork a visual marvel, leaving one to wonder: What extraordinary technique could produce such brilliance?
In terms of artistic style, this piece is truly unparalleled, belonging to the “Fangfa School” style created by the esteemed master H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The fluid strokes around the cat’s neck echo the elegance of cursive calligraphy, with each brushstroke flowing like clouds and water—graceful, yet powerful. Perched steadily on a tree trunk, the cat exudes a sense of calm and quiet dignity, drawing the viewer into a state of serene contemplation.
The tree trunk itself, rendered with bold, sweeping strokes and vibrant hues, pulses with energy and rhythm, reminiscent of the stirring notes of a cello performance—uplifting and profound. Behind the cat, two slender branches interlace gracefully, adorned with delicate flower buds. They seem to sway like young maidens dancing in spring, infusing the composition with poetic charm.
The most captivating feature, however, remains the cat’s eyes. With just two elegantly curved strokes, the artist has infused the cat’s gaze with a sense of life and spiritual depth. When meeting the cat’s eyes, one feels as though the feline is speaking directly to the soul, its wisdom and elegance unmistakable. It transcends the ordinary, radiating a sense of profound spirituality rarely captured in art.
This small yet profound piece not only showcases extraordinary technical mastery but also offers a transformative visual and spiritual experience. It transports the viewer beyond the material world, leaving an indelible impression on the heart and mind. Many are left to wonder—who could create such an extraordinary work of art?
The Mystical Cat is the work of the revered artistic master H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Created in 1991, it belongs to the “Fangfa School” style, one of sixteen unique painting styles founded by the Buddha Himself. This technique, blending profound wisdom and artistic expression, remains unmatched in the art world. Apart from Him, no artist has been able to replicate such divine craftsmanship.
What sets this piece apart is its miraculous charm within a two-dimensional form—impossible to replicate through mere technical skill. The art emerges from a realm of wisdom and enlightenment, far surpassing the ordinary. The minimalistic background, created with a few well-placed strokes, echoes the elegance of ancient inscriptions while preserving a harmonious balance between form and spirit. It represents the pinnacle of ink conservation and calligraphic mastery—a true summit of artistic achievement.
The rarity of The Mystical Cat is beyond comparison. Since creating this piece, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has sealed this divine style, ensuring that such masterpieces will not be produced again. This fact alone transforms the artwork into a priceless, limited edition treasure of the highest order.
The painting’s extraordinary value was confirmed at the Christie’s Chinese Treasures Christmas and New Year Auction hosted by the New York GianGuan International Auction Company on December 9, 2012. A reproduction of The Mystical Cat sold for an astonishing $253,000 USD, achieving the highest recorded price for a reproduction painting per square foot.
The Mystical Cat is not just a painting—it is a gateway to a realm where art, wisdom, and spiritual depth converge. A true testament to the artistic genius of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, this masterpiece stands as an eternal symbol of artistic perfection and spiritual transcendence.
Hanshan Temple (寒山寺), which translates to Cold Mountain Temple, is situated in the Gusu District of Suzhou city. Originally named “Miaoli Puming Temple,” it dates back to the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, specifically from A.D 502-519. Covering an area of approximately 13,000 square meters, the temple boasts a construction area exceeding 3,400 square meters.
During the Tang Dynasty’s Zhenguan period (A.D. 627-649), two prominent monks of the time, Hanshan and Xiqian, founded Hanshan Temple. Over its more than 1,300-year history, the temple has suffered five fires (some versions claim seven), with its most recent reconstruction occurring during the Guangxu period (A.D. 1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty. Historically, Suzhou’s Hanshan Temple held a prestigious position among China’s top ten famous temples. Its fame extends beyond borders due to a poem composed by Zhang Ji, a Tang Dynasty poet, which is taught in Chinese primary schools. This poem is also included in the curriculum of Japanese schools, further elevating Hanshan Temple’s renown in Japan, attracting numerous Japanese visitors who come to pay their respects to the Buddha. The temple features numerous historic buildings and tablet inscriptions authored by calligraphers, making it a popular destination for those seeking peace and spiritual solace.
Hanshan Temple holds a distinguished place in China’s Buddhist history, chiefly because of the famous poem by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. This poem is part of the curriculum in primary schools in both China and Japan.
The Night Lodging at Maple Bridge By Zhang Ji
月落乌啼霜满天 The moon sinks in the frosty sky and ravens caw far and near
江枫渔火对愁眠 Riverside maples and fishing lamps gloomily make me drowsy
姑苏城外寒山寺 From the Han-Shan temple siting at outside of the Gu-Su town
夜半钟声到客船 Come midnight bell rings as a passenger boat is arriving
Apart from the legends of Hanshan and Shide, Hanshan Temple boasts a collection of treasures that have been cherished throughout its extensive history. Among these treasures, one of the most renowned is the poetic stele of ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,’ crafted by the esteemed scholar and calligrapher Yu Yue during the late Qing Dynasty. It stands as an invaluable asset to Hanshan Temple.
It must be acknowledged that this piece of calligraphy represents the apex of ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge’ renditions throughout history. The lines of regular script flow seamlessly, displaying an inherent elegance and freshness, achieved with seemingly effortless brushwork. Engraved upon the stele, it emanates a subtle, age-old charm and an evocative poetic atmosphere. Each time I gaze upon this stele, it evokes a different emotional response within me. As I have delved into the art of calligraphy myself, I have even attempted to replicate ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge.’ While I deeply appreciate Yu Yue’s extraordinary skill and find it visually pleasing, there has always been a sensation of something missing, an ineffable aspect I couldn’t articulate. My pursuit has persisted, a continuous quest to discover calligraphic masterpieces that could genuinely satiate my aesthetic sensibilities, and this aspiration remains deeply rooted within me.
The other day, I had a sudden encounter with ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,’ personally penned by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and it was as if I had stumbled upon a divine masterpiece! This artwork utilizes cursive script, showcasing the grandeur reminiscent of dragons and serpents, seasoned with masterful brushwork, conveying both a majestic ruggedness and a subtle elegance. What elevates its worth even further is its dynamic and ceaseless artistic allure, reaching monumental proportions. It can be aptly described as the highest sacred creation, far beyond the grasp of ordinary individuals. This represents the embodiment of the Five Vidyas, as expressed by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the realm of Prajna, offering an extraordinary experience to those who behold it and serving as the ultimate exemplar for calligraphy enthusiasts like myself to aspire to emulate.
In this lifetime, I am profoundly fortunate to have encountered the authentic and unwavering Dharma of the Tathagata. The achievements of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stand unparalleled on a global scale. When it comes to providing tangible evidence of wisdom and realization attained through proficiency in both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, as well as mastery of the Five Vidyas, there is simply no one within the realm of Buddhism who can be mentioned in the same breath as His Holiness.
The Buddha’s criterion for measuring one’s level of accomplishment in the Buddha-dharma is rooted in the extent of proficiency in both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, as well as the mastery of the Five Vidyas. However, throughout the history of Buddhism up to the present day, only H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Holiest Tathagata has truly and comprehensively demonstrated complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, along with perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas. His Holiness unmistakably presents, for all to witness, a myriad of achievements that exemplify his complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and his impeccable mastery of the Five Vidyas, as stipulated by the Buddha.
His Holiness, an ancient Buddha, holds the distinction of being the first being of holy virtue in history to genuinely manifest such lofty and all-encompassing realization. The undeniable proof of this is found in the numerous accomplishments single-handedly achieved by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, as detailed within the thirty main categories listed in this book, “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III — A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma.”
I earnestly pray that all sentient beings may embark upon the ‘vessel’ of liberation and achieve enlightenment.
Chinese calligraphy has transcended its role as a mere communication tool and has become an art form highly esteemed even in an era dominated by ballpoint pens and computers. No longer limited to intellectuals and officials, calligraphy is now practiced by professional artisans and enthusiastic amateurs. Calligraphers employ brushes to beautifully ink five distinct styles of script: ‘seal’, ‘official’, ‘cursive’, ‘running’, and ‘regular’. While calligraphy can be found on various surfaces, even adorning the rocky walls of cliffs, it is most commonly seen on letters, scrolls, literary works, and fan coverings.
Throughout history, the Chinese have believed that no art form or field of study can truly reflect a person’s moral character and knowledge as effectively as calligraphy. The accomplishments or creations in other arts or fields often overshadow one’s shortcomings in knowledge and character. However, calligraphy stands apart from this convention. It functions as a three-dimensional mirror, projecting the depth of knowledge, moral character, and mental strength with each brushstroke. There is no hiding or concealing these qualities. When examining an individual’s ordinary handwriting of Chinese characters, one can often discern their level of education. This is even more evident when examining their calligraphy.
In the annals of history, there is no account of an unknowledgeable person making significant contributions to calligraphy. Profound and extensive knowledge does not necessarily guarantee expertise in calligraphy. However, great calligraphers possess both knowledge and skillful brushwork. Without exception, the renowned calligraphers of past generations were literary masters who possessed deep knowledge. Notable examples include Xizhi Wang, Su Huai, Shaoji He, Huaiguan Zhang, Fei Yue, and in more recent times, Youren Yu. Each of them was an erudite literary figure and exemplar of virtue.
Knowledge serves as the pillar and cornerstone of calligraphy, while moral character is reflected in the style and allure of the art form. Thus, calligraphy demands a combination of knowledge and moral character.
When one appreciate the calligraphy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, one can understand that why chinese believe that calligraphy combines one’s knowledge, moral character and mental strength .The calligraphy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata is not bound by worldly conventions and is devoid of unnecessary flamboyance. It is highly refined and based upon ingenious artistic conception. His Holiness’s strokes are sometimes written in a swift curling style. However, in an instant, His Holiness can express the innocent and natural charm of a child. There is wonder in even common strokes. His calligraphy is naturally graceful, exhibiting depth and brilliance. The calligraphy of His Holiness contains an invisible force that makes the characters seem much grander than they appear on a superficial level. His strokes look harmoniously smooth and unbroken. The Chinese characters may appear strong and vigorous, like a soaring dragon or mighty tiger. They may appear clear and gently elegant, like slowly floating clouds, cranes flying among pine trees, or dancing swans. They may appear simple and unadorned, like the free heart of a child. They are gracefully understated and completely devoid of any mundane quality. The calligraphy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha IlI is natural in quality and resonates with the true nature of the universe. A deep power underlies His Holiness’s strokes.
Crane Dance by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III at 1990
Red-crowned cranes tend not to build ness for themselves since they often stay in various places. When quiet, they frequently engage in meditational observation. When in motion, they frequently dance. Their nature is noble, pure, elegant and simple. They develop their virtue, are not attached to a specific abode, and take care of themselves so as to enjoy their natural lifespan. That is why since ancient times they have been praised for their longevity.
The ability of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to reach such great heights in calligraphy is completely due to His Holiness’s vast knowledge and profound talents. Of course, His Holiness is extremely adept at learning from the styles of others since this is a simple matter for a Buddha. For example, even in the initial stage of learning calligraphy, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III had solid skills in the traditional cursive style of writing and also had extensive learning.
Calligraphy : A Qi jue poem (Thin Gold Cursive Style of Calligraphy)
Above is a qi jue poem written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha IIIat 1982. A qi jue poem is a four-line poem with seven characters to a line and a strict tonal pattern and rhyme scheme. The phonetic reading of the poem is as follows: “hua gong ri yue li yang tian, xi cheng xi feng liu yue xian, gu peng lai cong ba sheng wang, shi zhi shu qi yi dong can.” One can see that this work has surpassed all traces of the mundane and has transcended all earthly impurities. Its style is lofty and pure. When that poem was written, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was living in the seclusion of an ancient temple. His Holiness used his extraordinary realization to express his thoughts and feelings. The first line expresses that although His Holiness lived alone and secluded in the room of a temple, He governed the universe and bestowed blessings upon living beings. The next line, “xi cheng xi feng liu yue xian,” conveys the scene that during the idle month of June H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III bathed in the Buddha-state of coolness while under the scorching sun. His Holiness was free of all worldly cares and attachments, and his body merged with the universe. When friends came, His Holiness heard the horns of their cars, but He had already transcended the world, residing in quietude and non-action. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III kept no notion of the date, and His Holiness’s mind did not abide in anything whatsoever. The people of the world were ignorantly attached to the changing seasons and came in their cars and horses to inform H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that summer had long passed and the winter was about to end. The ancient Buddha acknowledged this and smiled.
In recent years, there are works of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that have been written in the cursive mode of calligraphy, showing a flowing and unobstructed style, and expressing even more than before the charm of this writing technique. For example, the work Fei Cui Jade expresses the spirit of an immortal or Buddha, thoroughly transcending the three worlds of reincarnation, standing proudly above the five elements of the universe. It is truly calligraphy beyond the category of calligraphy, expressing a feeling that incorporates the whole universe.
Fei Cui Jade: Created with an unfettered hand and unattached mind, it has the appearance of a celestial writing accomplished with a childlike mind and steady strokes of the brush.
His Holiness’s calligraphy of the Chinese characters lang ga luo bu (Treasure of Heaven) excels the writing of calligraphers throughout history. It transcends all traces of worldliness. It expresses deep strength, like that which can break jade. The style of another calligraphic work called wu wo nai da cheng (No-Self Is Great Accomplishment), conveys the firmness and simplicity of steel and the vigor of a sharp knife. However, these same characters also contain delicate beauty. That calligraphic style truly surpasses styles of the past and present.
Lang ga luo bu (Treasure of Heaven)
Another calligraphic style of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is revealed in the writing of the Chinese characters xiao bu dian (Tiny). Such calligraphy shows the childlike innocence of a very old man, and its arrangement expresses the utmost ease and lack of rigid constraints. It is high-class calligraphy that does not even seem to be calligraphy. It is so elegant and refined that it completely transcends the mundane.
Tiny (Xiao bu dian)
Beholding the character sheng (holy) written by His Holiness, one can see that it simultaneously embodies both the softness of ribbons and the inner-firmness of steel. Its inner beauty flows to the surface. Another example is the character fo, which means Buddha. The writing of that character demonstrates that His Holiness has truly attained the summit of calligraphic skills that the ancients extolled in the old saying, “the old pine branch cannot be weighed down by heavy snow; the might of a brush will lift a thousand-pound bronze cauldron.”
The Chinese character “sheng,” which means “holy.”
The Chinese character “fo,” which means “Buddha.”
In fact, the calligraphy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has a deep foundation and an internal richness. It embodies the manifold sensations that one could possibly experience in one lifetime. The essence of all things in the universe converges at the tip of His Holiness’s brush. With such a transcendent state of realization, the myriad things of the universe are in the palm of this Buddha. The calligraphy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is like a treasury. It can be vigorous, smooth, or naturally beautiful. His Holiness incorporates the best techniques of all of the schools of calligraphy. No words can really describe this! His Holiness’s calligraphic skills have reached the highest degree of proficiency and naturalness that only a Buddha could reach!
The Way to the True Source of Calligraphy and Painting
No-Self Is Great Accomplishment
Hua Zang Si (Inscription of a Buddhist temple in San Francisco)
Chinese ancient poem Han Shan Si Temple in rapid cursive style by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
In traditional China, painting was revered as “silent poetry,” while poetry was seen as “painting with sound.” Both art forms found expression through the medium of calligraphy, which was considered the “art of handwriting.” Scholars and artist-scholars incorporated calligraphic brushstrokes into their paintings, viewing their artworks as vehicles for self-expression. Consequently, painting was not only regarded as an art form of equal purity and lyricism to poetry and contemplative thought but also as a means to evoke sensory experiences, emotions, and a holistic engagement with the world.
For Western observers, it may be intriguing why Chinese artists incorporate writing in their paintings and what significance the characters hold. By examining some of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s paintings, we can gain insight into these questions and witness the embodiment of the concept known as the “Three Perfections.” This concept represents the harmonious fusion of fine painting, poetry, and calligraphy within a single artwork.
Song of the Waves in the Three Gorges by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
This painting, titled “Song of the Waves in the Three Gorges,” beautifully captures the grandeur of splash-ink technique alongside the charm of water and ink colors. Its overall tone carries a weighty presence. The brushwork employed in this artwork evokes a powerful sense of momentum, lively charm, and a vividness akin to the scene of a long, flowing river just passing by. The inclusion of a few small sailboats adds elegance to the water scene as they gracefully navigate through it. The combination of the mighty river and awe-inspiring mountains, enveloped in mist and holding sacred spaces, has a purifying effect on one’s emotions. This painting possesses a quality that is reminiscent of both poetry and calligraphy.
Notably, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has inscribed an elegant Chinese poem onto this painting, which can be translated as follows: “The song of waves echoes in the gorge. Hanging colors of rocky cliffs burst with charm. A few cloudy, misty mountains reveal shades of blue. The vast water’s melody sets the sails in motion.” This poem aptly captures the beautiful and misty landscape of the Three Gorges, where the water and sky harmoniously blend, and human emotions become intertwined with the scenery. This painting serves as an artistic paragon, showcasing the mastery of poetic, calligraphic, and painting skills.
Yi Shan Shui Yun Liang Qing Nong ( One Landscape Charm Presents Two Strong Emotions) By H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
This remarkable painting showcases a rare combination of splash-ink and splash-color techniques, displaying the artist’s bold and skillful brushwork. The resulting natural effect achieved through these techniques is truly indescribable. Within the bold and dynamic brushstrokes, one can discern countless intricate details and traces of charm emerging from the flowing watery ink.
The painting depicts a scene of mountains and water during the approaching dusk, conveying a profound message. The poem imparts the wisdom that we should strive to engage in virtuous deeds rather than harmful actions, treating all living beings with kindness and respect. By embodying such a way of life, one can transcend to another realm and grasp the truth of existence beyond the concepts of birth and death. This painting offers a profound contemplation on the purpose and significance of human existence.
The calligraphy in the two art works are executed in a cursive style, known for its swift and dynamic strokes. Cursive writing is often characterized by its rapidity and vitality, effectively conveying the artist’s profound emotions.
Peace LiLy 