Buddhism appears to be very dominant in some countries in Southeast Asia. However, many Buddhists there always regard “Arhat” as the highest status of accomplishment in Buddhism. To them, Bodhisattvas who are often mentioned in Mahayana sutras such as Manjushri Bodhisattva and Kuan Yin Bodhisattva are simply not comparable to Arhats. That is why during the past thousands of years Mahayana Buddhism has never been able to propagate and spread widely in those regions. Of course, such a situation is due to karmic conditions of the living beings.
I am going to talk about a couple living in Thailand with family roots there for generations. The husband’s last name is Deng and the wife’s last name is Wang. Due to their hard working, honesty, and leading a plain and simple family life, they have long become well-known people with prominent fame in the business circle in Thailand. Meanwhile, they respectfully worship the Three Jewels, support the sangha, and engage in charities. Therefore, they are also praised by everyone as great and kind benefactors in the community. Though they possess deep root of kindness, due to the influence from some deviated views in the tradition of the Lessor Vehicle, they were unable to elevate their level of cultivation to enter deeply into the essence of the dharma principles contained in Mahayana. It was only until one day in 2004 when the karmic condition of their good fortune became mature. On that day, they were introduced by their friend to an opportunity of listening respectfully to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Only at that time, did they greatly awaken to the fact that true Buddha-dharma is so extensive, broad, precious, and profound.
The dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is perfect and unimpeded, presenting the wonderful truth of true-suchness openly and widely. Mr. and Mrs. Deng admired wholeheartedly. They also deeply realized that the innumerable eminent monks and great virtuous ones that they had visited and consulted before in Thailand and Burma were so tiny, low, and insignificant with their shortcomings easily seen in comparison to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Though he was very busy in his business undertaking, Mr. Deng still flew across the Pacific Ocean often to beseech teachings from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and spared no effort in the actions of propagating and spreading the true dharma of the Tathagata. However, deep in the couples’ mind through so many years, there was always an untied knot which was, “Are there really Bodhisattvas?”
One day, the couples finally summed up their courage and begged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III while kneeling on the ground, “Great Buddha Master, are there really Bodhisattvas? Can we ask for seeing Bodhisattvas?”
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said expressionlessly, “When the karmic condition is mature, I will satisfy your wish.”
Time elapsed day by day. Long after that, they figured that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III had forgotten what they had asked for long ago and thus dared not mention it again. Furthermore, what if Bodhisattvas did not come even when invited?
Later, they had a chat with several fellow brothers who are rinpoches one day. Only then did they learn that the house that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was living in was badly out of repair. Even the office space was just a small space next to a restroom and narrow stairs. Furthermore, the office desk was actually a very small table! They were greatly astounded after hearing the brothers’ descriptions! What was even more implausible to them was the fact that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III worked with His own hands to create artworks, not only to make the living but also help His disciples with their resources of cultivation as well as contribute to disaster relief efforts and benefit people.
The couples were deeply moved. They immediately made a decision to present a stock holding valued at 2.5 million US dollars as an offering to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “I have already said that I will only benefit living beings and will not accept any offerings. Therefore, I will not accept your offering.”
Although they begged very hard and repeatedly, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was not persuaded at all and firmly refused to accept even a penny from that offering. Without any other choice, they could only transfer that stock holding entirely to the World Buddhism Association Headquarters.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was to determine their karmic conditions. Observing their piousness toward their Master, diligent cultivation and practice, and selflessly benefiting living beings, they truly have established undeniable merit of Bodhi. Therefore, His Holiness the Buddha decided to fulfill the wish they had for many years.
On the magnificent and auspicious day when His Holiness the Buddha was going to transmit the inner-tantric initiation, Laypersons Mr. and Mrs. Deng came to the open-air mandala at the holy site. The sky was completely clear without any cloud on that day. With beautiful green lawn, breeze blowing from time to time, singing and winging of bees and birds in the background, varieties of flowers contesting for beauty, and charming and attractive branches and shoots in the trees, the whole court was covered with splendid colors in addition to jade green.
Sitting on the Vajra dharma throne, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said to the human and non-human disciples in the mandala, “I practice the dharma this time to invite and invoke a Bodhisattva for these two laypersons with their last names being Deng and Wang respectively. I do not have confidence! If it accidentally turns out to be successful, that would be due to the merit of Disciple Deng and Disciple Wang. However, you must absolutely pray and beseech with the most pious heart.”
Shortly after the discourse, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III immediately practiced the dharma. In less than 20 minutes, suddenly a beam of golden light flashed in the sky above. Next, countless light rays were emitted. A Vajra Bodhisattva with a height of about 16 feet suddenly appeared. The Bodhisattva was adorned with pearls necklace and looked extremely solemn and majestic, stepping on a lotus flower shape auspicious clouds of rainbow colors. In a few strides, the Bodhisattva descended into the mandala, standing in front of Mr. Deng and Mrs. Wang with a smile.
While they two were still stunned and astounded, the Bodhisattva took out the holy substance to empower them. With a finger snap, a five-colored light ray flew into the mouth of each of them. The taste was utmost delicious without comparison. They both felt relaxed and uninhibited throughout the body. An auspicious state manifested over the entire mandala at the holy site. Only then did the Vajra Bodhisattva merge into the brightness in the sky and disappear.
While everyone was still deeply enjoying the dharma joy and calming lightness occurring just moments ago, Mr. and Mrs. Deng excitedly described the personal feelings and experience that just happened to them, with hand gestures as they spoke. They two were extremely moved and bowed repeatedly to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
They saw a Bodhisattva! They truly saw a real Bodhisattva descending before them to meet with them! This is not a dream state and much less an illusory image. Though several years have passed, what really made us awaken is: Then, who is the Master who is living right before us and whom we follow closely to learn from? Good heavens! Have you forgotten? He is the supreme teacher of Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas in the ten directions and even of all Buddhas! He is really the genuine incarnation of the holiest ancient Buddha in the dharma realm – Dorje Chang Buddha!
How fortunate living beings in the current dharma-ending era are to be able to meet this opportunity of H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III descending to this earthly world. This is the great matter indicating the maturing of good fortune stemming from the karmic conditions since the beginning-less time. I sincerely, wholeheartedly, and eagerly hope that sentient beings in the six realms of the three spheres can all hear the dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, to attain in the current lifetime perfect good fortune and wisdom, freedom from birth and death, holy status of liberation, and realization of great enlightenment!
(Reported by the Taiwan Times) On September 5, 2015, an unprecedented dharma assembly of “Determining the Status of a Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue (Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue is a dharma in Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism for determining the result sought through selection)” was held in the United States of America with the attendance of several dozens of venerable ones, dharma kings and rinpoches, who are from Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, and dharma masters. The dharma practice was led by Great Rinpoche Wang Zha from Tibet, who once practiced in solitary retreat for 46 years in Tibet and has the realization of Golden Button Grade 3 (having three Sun-Moon wheels) in Buddha-dharma. The decisions by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue determined that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is a true Buddha, and Master Hui Neng, the sixth patriarch of the Ch’an (Zen) School, was not a Buddha but was the incarnation of a great Bodhisattva.
At what level is a dharma assembly of determination by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue? According to the explanation provided by the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters (UIWBAH) who sponsored the two sessions of the dharma assembly to determine the status of a Buddha, the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue is one of the holy supreme great dharmas and can be used to determine the true or false status of any holy being. In this world, this dharma and the Dharma of Forecasting the Future (announcing events that will happen in the future ahead of time) are the co-champions among the dharmas of decision by selection. The dharma ranked next is the holy inner-tantric dharma of “Bai Fa Ming Men Hei Guan Ze Jue (a dharma specifically used to determine the correct or wrong result).” The next lower dharma is the dharma of dropping divine pieces to receive divine instruction, which is at the inner-tantric level. Then, there are lower, outer-tantric dharmas of lot-drawing from a golden vase, rotating a tsampa ball, watching a sacred lake to see the result, and others. This Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue and the Dharma of Forecasting the Future are the highest dharmas among dharmas of decision by selection to determine the status of either “another person” or “self.” This dharma can only be possessed and commanded by holy ones at the level of great Mahasattvas or higher. Therefore, no great dharma king or venerable one who is not an extremely great holy one can hold and practice this dharma. Even great dharma kings and great venerable ones at the level of Jiao Zun who have the ability of performing inner-tantric initiations do not have the qualification to hold and practice this dharma. Mo Zhi Jiao Zun said, “Although I have just entered the door of holding and performing inner-tantric initiations, I have not touched even the edge of the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. Only a holy one who has the realization of performing holy inner-tantric initiations that are close to the level of state practice can perform the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. Otherwise, one is merely dreaming and far away from doing it.”
Why was this dharma assembly held to determine the status of a Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue? According to a writing describing the fact by the UIWBAH, the karmic condition rose from the fact that many Buddhists in the world wished to respectfully beseech the contrasting photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III showing His returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person three years ago. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III did not agree to that. He thought that these were just ordinary photos and were meaningless for people to have. The discussion lasted three years to 2015. The UIWBAH finally got the agreement from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. His Holiness the Buddha donated the two photos of His to the UIWBAH free of charge with a requirement that the UIWBAH can only sell the photo at a low price to those who wish to get it and must not profit from selling the photo. At the end of October of 2015, the UIWBAH published the contrasting photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III showing His returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person to the world. This provided people with auspicious and magnificent feelings and abundant joy of Buddha-dharma.
Unfortunately, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III wrote a note for the photos and demanded it to be printed at the lower part of the photo sheet. The note mainly stated that He is an ordinary person like everyone else, He is not a holy person, He has no advantage over other people, He does not know the dharma of returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person, and what people saw was a temporary phenomenon due to a medicine given by an elder virtuous one. On the other hand, UIWBAH stated that many people witnessed the real fact that Wang Zha Shang Zun, who is an outstanding one among great dharma kings, publicly practiced a dharma of empowerment. After a short period of a little over 10 minutes, an elder person whose age was over 60 changed into an appearance of a person who was about 30 years old. Wang Zha Shang Zun used this demonstration to show the fact that the dharma of returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person does exist within the realm of Buddha-dharma. Wang Zha Shang Zun said, “My Buddha Master is the universe. I am only a small piece of stone. Even I can empower a cultivator to return from an aged appearance to a youthful person temporarily. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s realization is millions of times higher than mine. Can you believe that the Buddha Master is an ordinary person?”
Although Wang Zha Shang Zun made the above proof, the speech by His Holiness the Buddha saying that He is an ordinary person just like everyone else made many Buddhist disciples in the world, whose good roots and intelligence are not strong enough, hesitate and be at a loss. They are unsure, with pressure on their mind. All can tell that, in terms of science and causality, how can there exists any miraculous medicine that can completely change a person’s facial features in a short period of a little over 10 minutes? Furthermore, three years have already passed and there is still not even one winkle in H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s face. The skin and flesh on His face are clean and tender with a light ruddy complexion. His appearance is extremely beautiful, handsome, and majestic. Other than a Buddha, how can a Bodhisattva have such extremely beautiful magnificence and how can any medicine create such an effect? Additionally, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s accomplishments of perfect mastery in both exoteric Buddhism and esoteric Buddhism and at the acme of the Five Vidyasare unmatched and incomparable by any holy one throughout the history of Buddhism. Not even one can be found from looking through history, searching the internet, and exhaustive investigations! How could H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III not have advantage over others? Ordinary people do not bear any remote resemblance to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Then, how could H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III be an ordinary person? On the other hand, should we not listen to His Holiness the Buddha’s speech? Therefore, unintelligent and deluded people feel muddle-headed and do not know what is right.
Considering this situation of cultivators being pressured, the UIWBAH had discussions and decided to provide Buddhists a correct conclusion. For the sake of benefiting living beings, an action that may not respect His Holiness the Buddha has to be taken. Wang Zha Shang Zun, an extremely great holy one at the level of Golden Button Grade 3 or higher, took the lead to practice the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue to determine fundamentally whether the Buddha’s status is true or false. Many cultivators wish to know the situation of the dharma assembly that determined the Buddha’s status by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. The following is a report on that dharma assembly:
On September 5, 2015, the historic grand dharma assembly to determine the status of the Buddha using the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue began in a solemn and majestic scene. Wang Zha Shang Zun’s holy arrival was welcomed by Great Holy and Virtuous One Mo Zhi Jiao Zun, Chairman of the UIWBAH Dharma King Gar Tongstan, UIWBAH’s Secretary General Kai Chu Ru Zun, Chief Abbot of the International Buddhism Sangha Association Dharma Master Zhengda, Great Rinpoche Akou Lamo, and several dozens of eminent monks, rinpoches, and dharma masters who were to serve as observing witnesses. They held palms together to greet each other and were seated on the dharma rostrum.
To be fair, the decision by selection was first conducted to verify the status of Sakyamuni Buddha. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If Sakyamuni Buddha is truly a Buddha, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” First, a portrait of Sakyamuni Buddha was laid on an ordinary four-legged flat table of dark-brown color. Then, a pinch of sand from the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool was picked up and put on the portrait at a spot of hair at the top of the Buddha’s head. Wang Zha Shang Zun began to practice the dharma at a dharma rostrum which was about 13 feet away from the table. After the ritual of knocking the wood fish, ringing the bell, waving the Vajra, performing mudras, and chanting mantras, twelve documents written on yellow papers were burnt. All observing witnesses saw with their own eyes that the sand placed at the spot of hair at the top of the Buddha’s head began to disperse with inconceivable changes. Every grain of sand seemed to be alive. All sand grains moved individually with miraculous transformations to form a crown made of strands of hair, which very naturally and wonderfully stood up above the top of Sakyamuni Buddha’s head. A scene of adding a crown of strands of hair to the Buddha’s top-knot was manifested, proving that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha.
Immediately after and on the same table, the decision by selection was conducted for H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the incarnation of the primordial Sambhogakaya-Buddha Dorje Chang Buddha, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma following exactly the same ritual as before. After the twelve documents were burnt, the sand of the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool that had been flatly put on the spot of hair at the top of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s head suddenly had the miraculous transformation of being elevated upward. Sand grains connected with each other to form strands of hair standing in the air. The strands of hair then automatically formed a crown of hair. A 3-dimensional crown was put on the head of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in the portrait, proving that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is a true Buddha coming to the world!
The last decision by selection was to verify whether the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng was a Buddha’s nirmanakaya (meaning emanated body). The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng is a Buddha’s nirmanakaya, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” As before, Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma following the same ritual and the twelve documents were burnt. Everyone saw that the sand of the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool placed at the top of Patriarch Master Hui Neng’s head had no movement or change at all. Therefore, the conclusion was that Patriarch Master Hui Neng was not a Buddha’s nirmanakaya. So a lower-level status had to be verified by the decision by selection, i.e. to determine whether Patriarch Master Hui Neng was an incarnation of a great Bodhisattva or not. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng is an incarnation of a great Bodhisattva, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If he was not at the level of a Bodhisattva, there will be no crown.” After Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma, a dharma crown was put on Master Hui Neng’s head. Sand grains formed a crown of hair. However, because Patriarch Master Hui Neng was not a Buddha or a Bodhisattva with universal or wonderful enlightenment, as stipulated by the dharma, the crown of hair did not stand up into the air and become a 3-dimensional crown, but was formed on a flat plane. However, it was very naturally structured and absolutely not something that can be made by humans.
The two sessions of the dharma assembly lasted more than five hours. To show the magnificence and extremely truthful nature of the crowning process through determination by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue, each of the venerable ones, dharma kings, rinpoches, great dharma masters, dharma masters, great laypersons, and others attending the dharma assembly took a test to crown the visage using the sand from the Ganges River. As it turned out, none of the holy and virtuous ones present who are at the levels of Golden Button Grade 2, Golden Button Grade 1, and Blue Button Grade 3 were able to crown the Buddha’s portrait with sand from the Ganges River. There was no manifestation of power of Buddha-dharma to cause miraculous changes. This proved that the great dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue can only be practiced by extremely great holy and virtuous ones at the level of Golden Button Grade 3 or higher. No one else possesses the realization to practice the dharma successfully.
Wang Zha Shang Zun was very dissatisfied with himself for the first session. He said that his cultivationwas shallow and lacked merit and virtue and that his own karmic forces caused him not to practice this dharma of decision by selection perfectly. The reality was that a few people in the observing crowd had their karmic forces become visible during the dharma assembly. They caused disturbance in the Buddha hall when they could not control their excitement upon seeing holy states. They shouted loudly and pushed others. Such disrespect toward the holy dharma kept the outcome from being completely perfect. For this reason, Wang Zha Shang Zun decided to hold a second session of the dharma assembly. Before the second dharma assembly started, Dharma King Gar Tongstan made the rules on behalf of Wang Zha Shang Zun. He announced that onlookers could get closer to watch but no one was allowed to speak loudly or push others. All must have the mind focusing on being respectful before moving closer. Then Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma. The second dharma assembly had a perfect success with extremely magnificent manifestations, proving again that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the incarnation of the primordial Sambhogakaya-Buddha Dorje Chang Buddha. In the process, the sand of the Ganges River of the light camel wool color placed at the top of the head exhibited unimaginably miraculous transformation. A lose-hair crown changed into a head-covering crown and a thick-hair crown changed into a thin-hair crown. The strands of hair gathered or separated as required at different places to knit into a naturally perfect crown. Every sand grain had its own independent life. Some walked extremely fast; some wandered around casually; some followed twisted paths; some traveled past the boundary and then came back; and some climbed from the bottom to the top. The sand grains followed each other one by one to form strands of hair that stood into the air without falling. Eventually, a knot was formed to create a perfect crown for the Sambhogakaya-Buddha. Then, Wang Zha Shang Zun snapped a finger to perform a mudra and the strands of hair fell into a pile of sand with no trace left of the crown. Wang Zha Shang Zun issued a dharma decree to distribute the sand of the Ganges River (which became Vajra Sand after the dharma was performed) to all who were present. Every attendee received a share of the Vajra Sand that manifested the holy crown worn by the genuine incarnation of the Buddha.
The situation at the time was that the dharma was practiced with the same table, at the same position, following the same ritual, and using the same sand of the Ganges River. However, the three hair crowns created were completely different. There was one Bodhisattva two-dimensional crown and there were two Buddha hair crowns that were three-dimensional and stood into the air. The latter two were also different from each other in terms of shape and structure.
All attendees on the dharma assembly on that day took an oath to testify for the above reported true facts, “We all attended the dharma assembly for determining the status of the Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue as practiced by Wang Zha Shang Zun. We clearly understand and believe in the law of cause and effect. What was stated above is true and without any false statement. If we lied to deceive people, we not only will not become accomplished but also will descend into the three lower realms to undergo extremely miserable suffering. If what was stated above is all true, we wish and pray that all living beings be able to learn the true dharma of the Tathagata from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Sakyamuni Buddha, attain perfect good fortune and wisdom, and become accomplished and liberated to benefit countless living beings.”
(Translated from a news report in Chinese published by Taiwan Times)
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the true incarnation of the primordial Buddha. Buddha’s Inner Realization Vidya is unbounded and infinite, which is Buddha’s natural realization capacity. Such an immense realization capacity can only be understood by the Buddhas of ten directions. We ordinary people cannot really know much about it, except that we can see that it is as deep, profound, immense, and infinite as the universe when looking at the holy miracles that are practically demonstrated by the Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha has once revealed the treasured imperial palace on the tip of a hair, or so we are told when reading the Buddhist sutras. What a scene that must have been! We can only yearn for it, but we cannot see it in person. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, with His great compassion for all living beings, manifests innumerable holy miracles of wonderful state in the present time. All of us Buddhist practitioners who have the karmic affinity and a pious heart can have the fortune to witness them and therefore know the greatness and truthfulness of Buddha Dharma!
What is listed below are only some real examples. They are all the true Buddhist holy miracles that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has manifest. Many Buddhist disciples have witnessed them in person and sworn. From these examples, one can clearly know that the realization capacity of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is that of a Buddha. No one else in the entire Saha World can reach His level!
Buddhas bestowing Amrites instance I: On the Buddha’s Birthday in 2001, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (known as Great Dharma King Yange Yishi Norbu at that time) held three Dharma assemblies and invited Limitless Life Buddha (Amitayus Buddha, 長壽佛) and Jewel-Born Buddha of South (Ratnasambhava Buddha, 南方寶生佛) to separately bestowed Amrites inside the dharma bowl, which were wondrous and miraculous beyond compare. The Amrites and shariras quickly piled up and, within 20 seconds, formed a two-foot-tall dharma pillar that is large on the top and small on the bottom. Over 200 Buddha’s Shariras of many colors flew around with the Amrites in the air and fell on the dharma pillar. The venerable elder monk Wuming, Losang Zhenzhu Rinpoche, Shi Longhui, the venerable elder monk Yizhao, and several hundred Buddhist disciples were present to witness it.
2. Buddhas bestowing Amrites instance II: On an auspicious day in the early twenty-first century, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III administered a Dharma Assembly in Los Angeles, USA. Buddhist disciple Shi Longhui personally washed clean a purple-gold copper bowl and put a cover on it. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III then practiced the Dharma. After a while, several streaks of red light shone from the sky and shot into the bowl. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III announced at that time that Amitabha Buddha had arrived in person. People immediately went outdoors and saw Amitabha Buddha walking in steps on lotus flowers in the air. When the Dharma Bowl’s cover was removed, the inside that had been washed clean and empty was now filled with true Amrites that were bestowed by the Buddha. The Amrites were bouncing in the bowl, and there was an exotic fragrance that filled the air. It is definitely not something from this world. At that time, over one hundred colorful shariras fell from the sky. That Dharma Assembly was videotaped for evidence.
3. The Great Dharma to Restore Youth: On October 18, 2012, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III manifests himself in a depleted old man’s look after having been practicing a Dharma to shoulder the sinful karma for living beings for three months. But in order not to make Buddhist disciples lose their determination to cultivate themselves should they see it, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III reluctantly returned to youth in front of the public within ten minutes. His wrinkles completely disappeared, and His skin became smooth and shiny as if He had undergone a complete change of physical body. He turned into a young person who was handsome, majestic, and youthful. A lot of people witnessed this incredibly great Dharma in person and swore to it.
4. Knowing In Advance and Foretelling: It was a bright, sunny day at Hotel Temozon Sur in Merida, Mexico on May 19, 2014. There was not a single bird by the water pond in the hotel. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III foretold that there would be many, many little birds gathering on the pond to dance in a few minutes, and it would start raining very hard at the same time, but the rain would not drive the birds away. Two minutes later, sure enough, many birds gathered on the water to dance, and a big rain ensued. The birds continued to dance on the water in spite of the rain. All the people who were present saw it with their own eyes and swore to it. The entire event was also videotaped for evidence.
5. The Holy Selection of One Hundred Bright Dharma Gates in Complete Dark (百法明門黑關擇決): On a certain auspicious day in 2013, an anonymous Tremendously Holy Guru, who is a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s but would not be revealed, was invited to administer a Holy Selection of One Hundred Bright Dharma Gates in Complete Dark for Zhenda Ruzun. The high-level Great Dharma of Holy Selection in Complete Dark to make the determination for the dharma master is superior to the Dharma of Inquiry by Flying the Paper Pieces (飛籤問訊), Holy Selection by way of Marnyi Stones (瑪尼石擇決), or Holy Selection by Vajra (金剛擇決). That Dharma Assembly determined the status of Zhenda Ruzun. In the Dharma Assembly, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III also performed the Dharma of Knowing in Advance and Foretelling for that anonymous Tremendously Holy Guru. He precisely and without an error foretold three times. Several hundred people witnessed that holy feat at the scene.
6. The Dharma of Holy Fire Offering: On September 19, 2018, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III administered the great Dharma Assembly of the Holy Fire Offering at the Holy Miracles Temple in Los Angeles, USA. The Vajra Maternity Buddha (金剛佛母) arrived in person and lit the fire from the space. The flame in the caldron was raging in a split second. Many people witnessed it.
7. The Dharma Assembly of Terma with Instant Verification (現量伏藏法會): In early 2019, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III presided over the Dharma Assembly of Terma with Instant Verification at the Holy Miracles Temple in Los Angeles, USA, in which an anonymous Yuzun, who is a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s and would not reveal Herself, performed the Dharma. There was one holy item, known as the Terma, among ten identically-looking items, which were wrapped with identical material in exactly the same way and covered by ten identical bowls separately. The Yuzun pointed out the Terma from the ten identical bowls precisely without an error several times consecutively. That Dharma Assembly was attended by a few hundred people who witnessed it with their own eyes.
8. At the Holy Miracles Temple of Los Angeles, USA, on February 9, 2020, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III demonstrated His supreme physical strengths by lifting a 434.8-pound Vajra Pestle with only one hand in public. He lifted the pestle in the air for 13 seconds before placing it back down on the platform, surpassing the top strong man of the world by 59 levels! A Vajra King of Great Strength who lifts a pestle onto the platform using one hand can pass the standard by up to 30 levels and that would be considered the very top. That is, no matter what kind of a king of strong man, a Tremendously Holy Guru, an Equal Enlightenment Bodhisattva or a Marvelous Enlightenment Bodhisattva one maybe, one’s top limit is surpassing the standard by 30 levels. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, on the other hand, could lift the Vajra Pestle with a weight of 434.8 pounds, which was 59 levels over the standard, with only one hand for 13 seconds. He was truly the unprecedented Vajra King of Super Strength in this world. The Holy Virtuous Ones say that the record made by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is unprecedented, they also can foretell that it will never be repeated by anyone in the future because it is the innate quality of a Buddha.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has infinite great kindness and compassion. To benefit living beings, He also presided over uncountable holy great Dharma assemblies, in addition to the ones mentioned above. Every time when He held a holy Dharma assembly, the corresponding Dharma purpose of the Dharma assembly was always fulfilled perfectly, and Dakinis, Dharma-guarding Deities, Yidam(s), Great Bodhisattvas and/or Buddha(s) always arrived at the scene in person and manifest corresponding holy miracles to show the greatness of Buddha Dharma. These Dharma Assemblies include the Holy Dharma Assembly to Bath the Buddha (勝義浴佛法會), the Dharma Assembly to test on Establishing Mandala Over a Stone Slab (隔石建壇考試法會), the Dharma Assembly of Celebrating the East-Bound Trip of Imparting Dharma (東行說法慶典法會), the Dharma Assembly of Initiation with Bodhi Vajra Seed (菩提金剛種子灌頂法會), the Dharma Assembly of Testing on the Holy and Virtuous Ones(考聖德法會), the Dharma Assembly of State-Practice Initiation of the Horse Stable Terma (境行馬鵬伏藏灌頂法會), the Dharma Assembly of Making the Holy Daba Buqiong Pills (煉制打靶不窮丸法會), the Dharma Assembly of Making the Kadra Ande Pills (煉制卡卓安得丸法會), the Dharma Assembly of Holy Selection of Affinity by Knowing in Advance and Foretelling (先知預言擇緣法會), and so on and on. How could these Dharma Assemblies be successful, if it wasn’t for the realization capacity from a Buddha?
There are these five rewards in listening to the Dharma. Which five?
Firstly, one hears what one has not heard before. By listening to the teachings, individuals are exposed to new insights and wisdom that they had not previously encountered, enriching their understanding and broadening their perspective.
Secondly, one clarifies what one has heard before. The act of listening allows individuals to deepen their comprehension and gain clarity on teachings they may have heard previously but did not fully understand. This repetition and elaboration help solidify their grasp of the concepts.
Thirdly, one gets rid of doubt. The Dharma provides answers and explanations that resolve uncertainties and questions in the listener’s mind. Through the teachings, one finds reassurance and a clearer path forward, dispelling confusion and hesitation.
Fourthly, one’s views are made straight. Listening to the Dharma helps align one’s thoughts and beliefs with the truth. It corrects misconceptions and guides the listener toward right understanding, ensuring that their views are in harmony with the teachings.
Lastly, one’s mind grows serene. The wisdom imparted through the Dharma brings peace and tranquility to the mind. As one absorbs and reflects on the teachings, the agitation and restlessness of the mind diminish, leading to a state of calm and serenity.
These are the five rewards in listening to the Dharma. Each reward contributes to the listener’s spiritual growth and well-being, making the practice of attentive listening profoundly beneficial.
Sister Sun Houfang has gone to the hospital for chemotherapy again. She suffers from leukemia, a disease that is almost a death sentence, but she has miraculously survived. She became a Buddhist disciple in July 2016 and often says, “Others with the same illness as mine have all died, but I am still alive. I want to thank Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions. I also want to bring those with affinity into Buddhism.” No one expected that her friends with affinity would be three Christian friends.
On April 28, 2017, I visited Sister Sun at the hospital again. She was having lunch, so we chatted briefly. I learned that she was scheduled to start chemotherapy medication the next day, and her wardmate, Wei Wenwen, was to be discharged in the afternoon. I sincerely invited them to our Tantric Buddhist Center the next morning to participate in a blessing ceremony. I hoped that through the blessing, they would receive good fortune and have their suffering alleviated. Sister Sun immediately agreed to delay her medication by a day, and Wei Wenwen also wanted to delay her discharge. At this moment, the patient in bed 6, Lu Shaohua, spoke up. She said she was a Christian and did not dare to believe in Buddhism, fearing it would be against her faith. She also mentioned, “A few days ago, I couldn’t sleep at night after arriving here. It was very uncomfortable, and no matter how much I recited the Bible, I couldn’t fall asleep. Ms. Sun suggested I recite the Buddha’s name instead, and after doing so, I was able to sleep.” I said, “That’s great! It shows you have a deep connection with Buddhism. Each of us has our own karmic reasons for our religious beliefs, but regardless of the religion, the key is the benefit we receive from it. In fact, many people don’t know that the Virgin Mary is an incarnation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.”
In the Dharma audio teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, there is a story about hundreds of Christian Taiwanese indigenous people converting to Buddhism. This took place in 1995 when H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, visiting Taiwan under the guise of an art delegation, was greeted by the chief of the indigenous group, a devout Christian. (There is a video recording on youtube for this event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxdaug7x9IU）
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked, “Have you ever seen the Virgin Mary? If you haven’t, I can invite her to come, and you can meet her.”
The chief responded, “Can I? Even our priest has never seen her!” H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “If I let you see her, will you then take refuge in Buddhism?”
The chief replied, “That would depend on the Virgin Mary’s approval. We have taken vows and been baptized.” H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “Let’s do it this way: let the Virgin Mary tell you what to do, and you can follow her guidance. How about that?” The chief agreed, saying, “Okay!”
At this moment, the chief began to recite the Bible and use his inner power. His Holiness told the chief, “That won’t work.” Then, His Holiness performed a Dharma practice, and the Virgin Mary suddenly appeared standing on a cloud, several dozen feet high, astonishing the chief on the spot!
The Virgin Mary said to the chief, “My child, although I am your Holy Mother, I am also a servant of the Buddha. I am learning Buddhism. You should immediately take refuge before this supreme Buddha, who represents the true Dharma of the Tathagata in this world.”
Hearing this, the chief prostrated himself in full devotion and immediately took refuge. Later, all nine tribes of the indigenous group came to take refuge in His Holiness as their chief king.
Photos from video in youtube
In the Universal Gate chapter of the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha tells the world that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva will manifest in various forms and save sentient beings according to their different karmic conditions. Any worldly being in danger will be delivered instantly upon calling her name. Therefore, Guanyin has been worshipped and revered by all classes of people. As a compassionate divinity with countless virtues and merits, she is endowed with transcendental power. The Bodhisattva excels in skillful means, allowing the Bodhisattva to appear in whatever form is needed by sentient beings.
After hearing my story, Lu Shaohua seemed to understand something and expressed a willingness to explore Buddhism.
On the morning of April 29, two Christians, accompanied by their families, came to our Tantric Buddhist Center. After everything was prepared, the blessing ceremony began. As we chanted the Heart Sutra, I heard intermittent crying from the crowd.
After the ceremony, I noticed tears still on their faces, but their complexions looked much better than when they first arrived. I asked them, “Did you all cry? How do you feel?” Wei Wenwen said, “I really enjoyed listening to the Heart Sutra. I felt very comfortable and happy here, and I didn’t want to leave.” Lu Shaohua also said, “As soon as I heard it, I couldn’t help but cry. I don’t know why, but it felt like meeting a family member.”
From that moment on, the three Christians—Wei Wenwen, Huang Youyou, and Lu Shaohua—began to listen to the extraordinary Dharma teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. Through listening to the Dharma, they understood some principles of karma, realized the impermanence of life, and the illusory nature of dreams and bubbles. They expressed their determination to stop killing, to practice releasing living beings, and to diligently study and practice Buddhism. They even took home Buddha statues to venerate and vowed to take refuge in Buddhism.
Although Buddhism is the teaching of perfect liberation, Christianity is also a good teaching. When Christians shed tears upon hearing Buddhist scriptures and find peace in reciting the Buddha’s name, it indicates their inherent karmic connection to Buddhism. The differences in religious beliefs among sentient beings arise from their various karmic roots and blessings accumulated over countless eons. All good teachings should coexist harmoniously and tolerate each other without rejection, as true good teachings all aim to free sentient beings from suffering and bring them happiness.
Every year in May, the Bathing Buddha ceremony is held to commemorate the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in northeastern India over 2500 years ago into the Shakya clan. Upon attaining enlightenment, the Prince became known as Shakyamuni Buddha. During the sacred celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birthday, participants in the Dharma Assembly of Bathing the Buddha offer prayers and make offerings to establish a connection with the Buddhas, seeking their blessings and invoking peace and well-being. As they ritually bathe the image of the Buddha with auspicious water, they vow to purify their three karmas (body, speech, and mind) across past, present, and future.
While many of these assemblies are ordinary ceremonies without any extraordinary occurrences, a remarkable event took place on May 26th, 2004—the “Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly” in Los Angeles, on the Buddha’s birthday. Led by H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III), the supreme leader of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, this assembly was unlike any other. Gathered on the lawn of a religious site surrounded by majestic blue curtain screens forming a dignified mandala, renowned Rinpoches, Huo-Fos, Dharma Teachers, and laypersons from around the world came together. It was an unprecedented and extraordinary event, far removed from the usual temple ceremonies. During this assembly, the conductor must possess the realization of a Buddha or Great Bodhisattva to invoke holy supernatural phenomena. On that day, Buddha appeared, Dharma-protecting Bodhisattvas displayed sacred sights, and celestial dragons and other deities of the Dharma laughed in the sky. It was a grand assembly where various holy scenes, unimaginable to ordinary people, manifested. Led by Supreme Vajradhara H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III), this assembly was conducted and practiced with utmost reverence and devotion.
Lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha, 3 feet high, square, and weighed 700 pounds itself
The Dharma Assembly was divided into an internal mandala and external mandala. The internal mandala was the central area where the Buddha was bathed. The external mandala was the dharma realm of accomplishment. Eminent monastics and persons of great virtue attended the Dharma Assembly. Those who were part of the internal mandala included Akou Lamo Great Rinpoche, Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, Dharma Teacher Long Hui, Dharma Teacher Jue Hui, Dage Gongla Rinpoche, Bodi Wentu Rinpoche, Dharma Teacher Kui Zhi, Dharma Teacher Ruo Hui, layman Ciren Jiacuo (Gyatso), Dharma Teacher Miao Kong, Dharma Teacher Baolian, and others. Those who were part of the external mandala included Fuzang Wanghu Great Rinpoche, Yan Long Great Rinpoche, Awang Nuobu Great Rinpoche, Kang Qin Great Rinpoche, Xijao Zhibenge Rinpoche, Yixi Kanbu, Dharma Teacher Cikong, Dharma Teacher Fahai, Dharma Teacher Cixin, Dharma Teacher Haoling, and others.
The dharma stipulates that the purpose of a Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly is pouring dharma water that has been used to bathe the Buddha. The ability to pour such dharma water is based upon one’s true level of realization. Pouring such water bathes the celestial beings in the various heavenly realms. It shows that the Buddha blessed the celestial beings in the various heavenly realms, the dharma protecting deities, and the seven types of disciples. Thus, there must be a successful “pouring of water based upon one’s true realization.” Otherwise, it is not a Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly.
Additionally, at that Dharma Assembly all seven holy states were manifested. The seven types of holy states are: (1) Wind Celebrates the Mandala, (2) Flowers Rain from a Tree, (3) A Dharma Object Manifests Holiness, (4) A Cloud Provides an Umbrella-Like Covering, (5) Celestial Dragons Laugh Joyfully, (6) A Lama is Given a Sign, and (7) The Color of Dharma Water Is Received.
The successful “pouring of water based upon one’s true realization” is the most important part of such a Dharma Assembly. It is the key aspect of a Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly. It is why the name of such a Dharma Assembly contains the words “Highest Form.” Three to five thousand pounds of dharma water are used to bathe the Buddha. After the Buddha is bathed, this water is used to bathe the celestial beings in the various heavenly realms. When bathing the celestial beings, the dharma water must be poured down from the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings. During the pouring process, one cannot touch the dharma water with any part of one’s body, nor can one use any type of container to be filled with water. That is because the human body and containers are soiled by unclean dust and dirt. People are only allowed to tilt the entire lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha so that water is poured downward.
With such a heavy amount of dharma water in the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha, how could anyone tilt that tub to pour the water down into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings? One must rely upon one’s Buddha-dharma state of realization. But no more than ten people can attempt to lift the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha. Otherwise, it would not be regarded as the Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly. If the dharma water is not successfully poured into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings, then no matter what types of supernatural holy sights may appear at the Dharma Assembly, it cannot be called a “Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly.”
FLOWERS RAIN FROM A TREE
The atmosphere that day at the mandala to bathe the Buddha was holy and solemn. H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) wore his golden brocade and jeweled robe. His Holiness had an extremely dignified-looking appearance. A golden bronze statue of Dharma Prince Siddhartha stood in the mandala. In the middle of the mandala was a lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha that was 3 feet high, square, and weighed 700 pounds itself without water. Over the middle of that tub was a beautiful lotus flower about the size of a car wheel. Below and adjoining that lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha was a rectangular, one-foot high tub used to bathe the celestial beings. Ninety buckets of fragrant water were also placed in the mandala to be used to bathe the Buddha. The offering water in those buckets was light brown due to the sandalwood, eaglewood, saffron, and other scents that were boiled and added to the water.
At the beginning of the Dharma Assembly, His Holiness practiced Dharma according to Buddhist scriptures. As soon as the Buddha Master began practicing dharma, a tree full of jacarandas (a pale purple flower) immediately began raining flowers. The jacarandas drifted in the golden sunlight and fell all over the mandala and into the ninety buckets of water. Auspicious clouds rolled through the sky. It seemed that the mandala was no longer part of this world. Rather, it seemed like a holy Buddha-land. Flowers rained for more than three hours continuously, starting from the beginning of the Dharma Assembly. Those flowers floated down upon everyone. However, not one petal touched the Buddha Master. When the Dharma Assembly ended, the flowers instantly stopped raining.
A DHARMA OBJECT MANIFESTS HOLINESS
In order to express the unity of exoteric and esoteric Buddha Dharma, the Buddha Master did not select a highest-level practitioner of great virtue or a highest-level Great Rinpoche to announce and conduct the rituals and ceremonies of that Dharma Assembly. Rather, His Holiness selected Great Dharma Teacher Long Hui to announce the rituals and ceremonies. Great Dharma Teacher Long Hui is Han Chinese and is Chairperson of the International Buddhism Sangha Association. His Holiness also selected Great Dharma Teacher Jue Hui, Great Dharma Teacher Kui Zhi, Great Dharma Teacher Ruo Hui, and Dharma Teacher Miao Kong to conduct the rituals and ceremonies.
When Great Dharma Teacher Long Hui announced that all Buddhist disciples in attendance should pour fragrant water into the tub used to bathe the Buddha, all of the Rinpoches and Huo-Fos, Dharma Teachers, and laypersons in attendance quickly poured the ninety buckets of light brown fragrant water into the tub used to bathe the Buddha, filling it up completely. Everyone then returned to their seats and respectfully requested that His Holiness consecrate the fragrant water in the lotus tub. The Buddha Master was then seen holding a white Vajra Wheel.
During the Highest or Ultimate Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly, some people saw the Vajra Dharma Wheel float up, sink down, and move around in the water. Some also saw the appearance of eight Dharma protecting deities. Additionally, some people saw two Dharma protecting deities, Mahakala and Sri-maha-devi, supernaturally change their forms. In an instant, the two Dharma protecting Bodhisattvas appeared. In an instant, they disappeared from the Vajra Wheel without a trace. In the photos, the Vajra Wheel turned into the shape of a lotus leaf floating on the water. From the size of the Vajra Wheel’s shadow, one can know the height of its position in the water.
His Holiness approached the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha and placed that Dharma object (i.e. the Vajra Wheel) into the water. That dharma object is half as thick as a coin and as large as the palm of the hand. The Buddha-dharma stipulates that only a Supreme Vajradhara Dharma King may possess such a Vajra Wheel. After the Supreme Vajradhara Dharma King’s empowerment, the dharma protecting Bodhisattvas in the sky descended upon that dharma object. That dharma object can move around in the dharma water used to bathe the Buddha. It can rise up in the water and sink down into the water. After it does this, the practice of the Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly may begin.
Everyone surrounded the lotus tub to see that dharma object. One or two minutes later, everyone indeed saw the Vajra Wheel moving in the water. No one touched the lotus tub. While in the water, that dharma object moved forward and backward, to the left and the right, all on its own. One moment, it sank downward; the next moment it floated to the surface of the water. When the Vajra Wheel was approaching the bottom of the water, many saw red light emanate from the bottom of the Vajra Wheel. That red light was the true fire of samadhi. Many people saw eight dharma protecting bodhisattvas standing on that dharma object. There were also those who saw Mahakala and Sri-maha-devi supernaturally change their forms on that Vajra Wheel. Everyone present was full of dharma joy.
WIND CELEBRATES THE MANDALA
After a dharma object manifested holiness, everyone began to respectfully recite the invocation text. Suddenly, a strong wind began blowing from the west. Trees began to sway and things began to shake in the once peaceful mandala. Jacarandas flew through the air. Everyone was amazed. Indescribable and auspicious dharma joy filled the entire assembly. The world-honored Buddha had arrived in the sky above the mandala to manifest the dharma! Everyone chanted a mantra in unison to respectfully welcome the arrival of the Buddha. That strong wind from the west blew for a period of time and then abruptly stopped. The quietude of the mandala was restored.
An auspicious atmosphere filled the mandala. Amid the sound of everyone chanting a mantra, the holy ritual of bathing the Buddha formally began. Great Dharma Teacher Kui Zhi respectfully lifted the statue of Dharma Prince Siddhartha off the altar and put it on the lotus flower in the middle of the lotus tub. Everyone then respectfully requested that H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu bathe the Buddha. After His Holiness bathed the Buddha and practiced Dharma, each of the attendees bathed the Buddha three times. Great Dharma Teachers Jue Hui and Ruo Hui wiped dry the statue of the Buddha with a white silk scarf, put a robe on the statue of the Buddha, and placed it back on the altar.
POURING OF WATER BASED UPON ONE’S BUDDHA DHARMA REALIZATION
After the Buddha is bathed, according to the rules and rituals of the Buddha-dharma, it is time to pour fragrant water from the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha into the lower tub used to bathe the celestial beings. At that time, His Holiness must practice dharma to bathe the celestial beings. According to fixed dharma, the bathing of celestial beings must take place in order for it to be a real Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly. Otherwise, the words “Highest Form” should not be used. This is the key factor in determining whether the Dharma Assembly will be completely successful.
Dharma Teacher Long Hui announced the ritual and requested that everyone attempt to lift the lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha so that its fragrant water would pour into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings. All of the attendees stepped forward one after another and attempted to lift it in groups of ten. However, no matter how hard they tried, they could not lift that lotus tub. Later, in violation of the rules, fourteen strong men together attempted to lift that tub. They assumed various postures and used all of their strength to tilt that lotus tub while shouting out a mantra. In the end, their faces turned red, they became exhausted, and they gave up in frustration. They were not able to move that lotus tub one bit. With awkward smiles on their faces, they went back to their seats.
That lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha weighs more than seven hundred pounds. When 90 buckets of fragrant water used to bathe the Buddha were added to this weight, the total weight was 4,260 pounds. Only a large crane could lift that tub. Even world-class musclemen would have no chance of lifting it.
Everyone looked at the lotus tub and felt the situation was hopeless. Great Dharma Teacher Long Hui did not know whether to cry or laugh. She could not announce that the ritual was successfully completed. Under these circumstances, the Dharma Teacher thought of a disciple of His Holiness by the name of Akou Lamo Rinpoche. That Rinpoche is from Tibet and can cause a mani stone to fly through the air. Great Dharma Teacher Long Hui asked Akou Lamo Rinpoche to test her strength and attempt to lift the lotus tub. Akou Lamo Rinpoche said, “I want to select someone to assist me.” She then invited an elder layman who lives in the Unites States, Ciren Jiacuo, to step forward and assist her. Elder layman Ciren Jiacuo has realized the state of prajna emptiness. He constantly abides in the dharmakaya state. His state of realization is extraordinary. He is a person of great accomplishment spoken of in the tapes contained in the silver box.
Bathing Buddha ceremony is annually performed to honor the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who was born in north-eastern India over 2500 years ago of the Shakya clan. The Prince, upon enlightenment, became Shakyamuni Buddha. On the holy birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha, followers who participate in the Dharma Assembly of Bathing the Buddha make offerings to establish their karmic conditions with the buddhas and also to wholeheartedly beseech the empowerment of the buddhas and to pray for peace and well being. While bathing the image of the Buddha with auspicious water, they vow to cultivate themselves in attaining the purity of their three karmas (body, speech, and mind) in the past, present, and future. However most of these assembly are ordinary ceremony, there were no holy states appearing.
Akou Lamo and Ciren Jiacuo each held one side of the lotus tub. Upon Akou Lamo’s uttering the mantra “Ong Ah Hong,” they lifted their shoulders. With a roaring sound of cascading water, the lotus tub tilted upward. Holy water used to bathe the Buddha was poured into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings. Upon another uttering of the mantra “Ong Ah Hong,” the two of them again lifted the lotus tub. Like a silver pillar, dharma water poured into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings.
All of the attendees were astonished! They sat there dumbfounded. Fourteen men using all their strength in concert could not move that more than four thousand-pound lotus tub. However, to everyone’s surprise, a young woman and an elderly man seventy years old exhibited their states of realization and lifted that lotus tub for all to see! What a wonderful expression of the true Buddha-dharma, of the power of Vajra! Neither of them has any innate spiritual powers. Under Holiest Tathagatha Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, they have practiced and learned the true Dharma and have reached a high level of Buddha-dharma realization. That is why they were able to successfully complete the key ritual of the Dharma Assembly— pouring water based upon one’s Buddha-dharma realization. All of the attendees were surprised and praised the two of them highly. Everyone was moved and joyful. That Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly was successful precisely because of this holy event.
CELESTIAL DRAGONS LAUGH JOYFULLY
After pure water used to bathe the celestial beings was successfully poured, the His Holiness began practicing the dharma to bathe the celestial beings. As soon as all of the attendees chanted in unison one time the verses relating to bathing the celestial beings, suddenly, a strong wind began swirling. The curtain screens began to bulge and rumble. The tankas hanging on the curtain screens flew upward in a ninety-degree angle from the ground. The poles holding up those curtain screens creaked in the wind as if they were about to break. Even the sandbags used to anchor the curtain screens were turned over and moved by the wind. Two-thirds of the people there heard very loud, low and deep dragon’s roars explode in the air accompanied by the clap of rolling thunder. One-third of the people there only heard the sound of the wind but did not hear the sound of thunder. This all the more proves the magnificence of the Buddha-dharma, since different karmic states manifested at the same time.
At that time, the hot sun was high in the sky. It seemed as if the joyful roars of the celestial dragons shook the sun so that it shined even more brilliantly! The dharma protecting deities came to the mandala where the Buddha was bathed and received a dharma bathing bestowed by the Buddha! At this time, people remembered that a few days before the Dharma Assembly when the curtain screens and dharma altar were being erected, the Buddha Master personally arrived. His Holiness repeatedly instructed everyone to fasten well the foundational support for the dharma altar and curtain screens so that the altar and screens would not be blown over by the wind. A layperson whose last name is Hsu said to the Buddha Master, “The weather station forecasted that there will be no rain or wind for the next seven or eight days.” His Holiness then told everyone, “At the Dharma Assembly, of course it will not rain. However, when I practice the Dharma, a strong wind will blow. There will be strong gusts of wind, especially when all of the Dharma protecting deities arrive and manifest their powerful spirits. Therefore, the foundational support must be fastened firmly.” It is very fortunate that the buddha Master made such a prediction. On the day of the Dharma Assembly, the dharma protecting deities joyfully laughed in the sky. Although there were strong gusts of wind, the dharma altar and curtain screens did not fall.
A RINPOCHE IS GIVEN A SIGN
After the Buddha Master practiced dharma to bathe the celestial beings and the dharma protecting deities, His Holiness instructed everyone to look inside the water to see whether the Vajra Wheel was moving. People were amazed to see that even though those two people with holy virtue and high states of realization lifted the lotus tub and thereby poured Dharma water from a tub weighing more then 4,000 pounds downward into the tub used to bathe the celestial beings, the Vajra Wheel surprisingly did not move in the slightest. The Vajra Wheel remained in its original position. Many people saw eight dharma protecting bodhisattvas standing on that dharma object blowing air upward.
At this time, a rinpoche who weighs 280 pounds beseeched the Vajra Wheel to manifest its powers and eliminate his remaining karmic hindrances. His Holiness agreed to this request and put the Vajra Wheel on that rinpoche ’s chest. At first, that rinpoche felt that the temperature of the Vajra Wheel was cool. His Holiness then began intoning a mantra. With his fingers pointing to the sky, His Holiness lightly snapped his fingers. That rinpoche suddenly let out a miserable scream. He was in such pain his face turned pale. Like the power the Incantation of the Golden Hoop had over the Monkey King in Journey To The West, the Buddha Master’s mantra caused the solemn face of the rinpoche to become distorted from pain he could not endure. It seemed that the rinpoche could not endure the pain. As a result of His Holiness practicing a certain dharma, the Vajra Wheel emitted the true fire of samadhi. Its temperature quickly rose to an extremely high degree. Of course, that rinpoche could not endure such heat.
H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu(H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) then snapped his fingers again, and the true fire of samadhi instantly disappeared. The Vajra Wheel suddenly became cold. That rinpoche immediately returned to his normal condition. He was not injured in the least. However, there remained an imprint of the Vajra Wheel on his chest. His Holiness predicted that after one week a three-dimensional dharma object in relief would grow out of the imprint on that rinpoche ’s chest. That rinpoche was full of dharma joy and thanked His Holiness for eliminating his karmic hindrances. That rinpoche then vowed to do his utmost to benefit living beings.
A CLOUD PROVIDES AN UMBRELA-LIKE COVERING
From the beginning of the Dharma Assembly all the way to its end, a beautiful cloud continuously floated in the sky above the mandala. The shadow of that cloud continuously covered the bronze statue of Dharma Prince Siddhartha. The Dharma Assembly lasted more than three hours. The sun moved westward. That cloud moved together with the sun. It was like an umbrella that served to block the sunlight from the statue of Dharma Prince Siddhartha. However, the sun continued to shine upon the area of the dharma altar only two or three inches from the statue of Dharma Prince Siddhartha.
THE COLOR OF DHARMA WATER IS RECEIVED
The Dharma Assembly ended solemnly. Everyone took some dharma water from the tub used to bathe the Buddha and the tub used to bathe the celestial beings. Suddenly, someone said in a surprised manner, “The Dharma water is changing!” Everyone rushed over to see. They discovered that the ninety buckets of light-brown fragrant Dharma water taken from the tub instantly became clear water. The Buddha and the celestial beings received the merit of that fragrant water. The merit of the Dharma Assembly was wonderful and complete. All of the attendees prostrated and uttered words of praise.
H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) conducted this Highest Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly, a respected event in the history of Buddhism. His Holiness practiced the dharma during this assembly. All seven holy states were manifested. Water was poured based upon the states of realization of those who poured it. Those two people thereby exhibited their extraordinary powers. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the heavenly dharma protecting deities personally arrived at the mandala and received bathing water bestowed by the Buddha. Various holy states of the Buddha-dharma appeared one after the other. Only this type of magnificent Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly is a true Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly as stipulated in the dharma. This grand event in Buddhism took place as a result of the good fortune of living beings.
After the Dharma Assembly, one of the two persons with high states of realization who lifted that lotus tub, Akou Lamo Great Rinpoche, requested that the holy lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha be transported to Tibet so that it could serve as an offering in furtherance of Tibetan Buddhism. Great layperson Ciren Jiacuo requested that it be kept in the United States as an offering. In order to be fair, His Holiness had everyone vote on the matter. Akou Lamo Great Rinpoche lost the vote by a ratio of three to two. The United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters will keep that lotus tub used to bathe the Buddha. It will be kept in the United States as an offering. The tub is currently stored at Hua Zang Si Temple at San Francisco.
King Ajatasattu, in order to seize the throne, murdered his own father, King Bimbisara. Afterwards, he felt constant pain and fear in his mind and body, seeking help from various physicians and religious experts but to no avail. Finally, at the urging of a monk named Jivaka, he went to seek the Buddha.
At that time, the Buddha was residing in a grove with a thousand monks. King Ajatasattu entered the assembly hall and saw a thousand monks sitting peacefully around the Buddha, not even the sound of rustling robes could be heard. King Ajatasattu had only briefly encountered the Buddha before, as he had never attended any of the Buddha’s teachings with his father. The Buddha invited them to sit down, and after bowing, the king said, “World-Honored One, I remember hearing you speak when I was young in the palace. Now I have a question for you: what practice can lead thousands of people to renounce worldly life and seek enlightenment?”
The Buddha asked if he had asked the same question to other teachers. King Ajatasattu said he had asked many different teachers, including Devadatta, but had never received a satisfactory answer. The Buddha said, “Your Majesty, tonight the Tathagata will explain to you the fruits of the true Dharma, some of which can be enjoyed in the present and some of which can be harvested in the future. You do not need to seek lofty answers; you just need to see clearly the mango you hold in your hand. Your Majesty, let me give you an analogy: a servant who obeys his master’s every command from morning till night. One day, he asks himself, ‘Why should I willingly be enslaved by my master?’ This servant decides to renounce his servitude and become a monk. He lives a life of celibacy, diligence, and mindfulness, eating only one meal a day, practicing walking and sitting meditation. His demeanor exudes peace and dignity in his actions and speech; he becomes a virtuous and respected monk. Although you know he was once a servant, when you see him now, would you say to him, ‘Come here, boy, I want you to serve me from morning till night, obeying all my orders’?”
King Ajatasattu said, “Certainly not, World-Honored One. I would never speak to him in such a manner. I would respectfully bow to him, offer him food, and ensure he receives the legal protections due to a monk.”
The Buddha said, “Your Majesty, this is the first fruit of the monk’s practice: he has liberated himself from prejudices of race, society, and class, and he has regained the dignity of being a human being.”
The Buddha continued, “Your Majesty, a person’s dignity is just the first fruit. A monk who observes the two hundred and fifty precepts can reside in a state of tranquility. Those who do not observe precepts are more prone to stray from the path; they may commit sins such as deception, intoxication, adultery, theft, or even murder. Such actions bring terrible punishments to their bodies and minds, and they may face severe penalties when caught. A monk who observes the precepts of non-killing, non-stealing, chastity, truthfulness, abstinence from intoxicants, and over two hundred other precepts finds it easier to live a psychologically freer life than ordinary people. This is another fruit that can be enjoyed in the present.
The Buddha continued, “Your Majesty, a monk possesses only three robes and an alms bowl. He never fears robbery nor needs to guard against thieves at night. He can sleep under a tree without worry. The freedom released from fear is the greatest joy. This is another fruit attained through practice. A monk’s life is very simple; although he eats only one meal a day, the food in his bowl comes from thousands of different households. He does not pursue fame or profit; he only uses what he truly needs, seeking nothing else. Dwelling in such unfettered freedom is a fruit that can be enjoyed at this moment.
King Ajatasattu said, “Truly remarkable, World-Honored One! Please continue.”
The Buddha said, “Your Majesty, if you understand how to cultivate mindfulness and contemplation of breathing, you can experience the joy of those who walk the path of practice. That is the bliss of meditation. A monk observes the six senses to overcome the five hindrances of desire, anger, delusion, sloth, and doubt. He attentively observes the breath to create joy nourishing body and mind, which helps him progress on the path to enlightenment. The pleasure derived from sensory experiences cannot compare with the joy obtained through meditation. The joy of meditation permeates body and mind, dispelling all anxieties, sorrows, and grief, allowing the practitioner to experience the true wonder of life. Your Majesty, this is one of the most important fruits of practice that can be enjoyed at this moment.”
The Buddha continued, “Your Majesty, because a monk consistently maintains mindfulness and adheres to the precepts, he can develop right concentration and insight into all phenomena. Through this insight, he sees the impermanent and selfless nature of all phenomena, thus no longer being bound by worldly affairs. He can then sever all entanglements of afflictions such as greed, anger, desire, sloth, doubt, attachment to views, speculative views, distorted views, and mistaking wrong views for right ones. After cutting off all these entanglements, the monk can attain liberation and freedom.”
“Your Majesty, liberation is true happiness and one of the greatest fruits of practice. Some of the monks sitting here tonight have already attained this fruit. Your Majesty, this is a fruit that can be realized in this very life.”
King Ajatasattu exclaimed, “Excellent, World-Honored One! I hope you can say more.”
The Buddha said, “Your Majesty, by illuminating the true nature of all phenomena, a monk knows that all phenomena are neither born nor extinguished, neither defiled nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing, neither one nor many, neither coming nor going. With this understanding, a monk no longer discriminates; he regards all phenomena with equanimity, without hindrance. He rides the waves of birth and death to rescue sentient beings from the sea of suffering. He introduces sentient beings to the Great Way, allowing them to taste the joy of liberation. Your Majesty, helping others to break free from the maze of greed, anger, and delusion is the greatest joy. This joy extends from the present into the future as the supreme fruit of practice.
Your Majesty, in all his interactions, a monk never forgets the responsibility to guide others towards virtue and liberation. Monks do not engage in politics; they only contribute to the peace, morality, and happiness of society. The fruits of practice are not only for the benefit of monks; they are also the legacy that can be inherited by the people of the country.
The king stood up, sincerely clasping his hands together. He said, “Most Honored Teacher! World-Honored One! With your simple words, you have enlightened me, showing me the true value of the Dharma. World-Honored One, you have helped me rebuild what was shattered, revealed what was concealed. You have guided me back to the right path in my confusion, turning darkness into light. I beseech you, World-Honored One, to accept me as your disciple, just as you accepted my parents in the past.”
The king prostrated himself before the Buddha, who nodded in acceptance. He asked venerable Shariputra to teach king Ajatasattu the Three Refuges.
The meeting between the Buddha and King Ajatasattu was beneficial for all present, greatly alleviating the king’s mental torment. That night, he dreamt of his father smiling at him, healing all the wounds of the past. The king’s disposition completely changed, bringing infinite joy to his subjects. From then on, the king often visited the Buddha privately, no longer arriving on an elephant and without any guards. He climbed the meticulously carved stone steps up the mountain as his father had done in the past. In these conversations, King Ajatasattu confessed his innermost thoughts to the Buddha and repented for his past sins. The Buddha regarded him as his own son and advised the king to associate with virtuous people.
Dharma Discourse by Amang Nopu Pamu in Nectar Assembly
Amang Nopu Pamu is an extraordinary Dharma King and Holy Mother, revered for her unparalleled realization. Her spiritual achievements stand as truly exceptional, placing her at the forefront among female yidams at the highest level.
Remarkably, at the tender age of eight, she demonstrated remarkable intellectual prowess by composing a profound commentary on logical reasoning—a feat unparalleled by anyone else in the world. Her intellectual brilliance continued to shine, as she accomplished the mastery of the entire Tripitaka by the age of 20.
In addition to her scholarly achievements, Amang Nopu Pamu authored five insightful commentaries, including notable works such as “The Prajna of Ultimate Reality” and “Entering the Door of the Dharma,” alongside other contributions to Buddhist literature.
In the rich tapestry of Buddhist history, finding a figure as exemplary as Amang Nopu Pamu is a rare occurrence. Her greatness is acknowledged and praised not only by mortal beings but also by all Bodhisattvas and Arhats in the sacred realm. Amang Nopu Pamu stands as the most exalted, earning the admiration and reverence of those who recognize the profound depth of her spiritual attainment.
On September 8th, 1997, a significant gathering unfolded as several Rinpohes actively engaged in different segments of a Nectar Sharma Assembly presided over by Amang Nopu Pamu. The following is the discourse delivered by Pamu during this Sacred Assembly.
In the Nectar Assembly Pamu Sat at the Dharma King Throne Many Rinpoches sitting around
The live videotape of the Buddhas bestowing nectar and the scenes of myself and Buddhist disciples cannot be shown to those who do not understand the Buddha Dharma. This is because outsiders would not recognize or understand the wonderful states concerned with unworldly Dharma. Of course, those practitioners of Buddhism who are Great Rinpoches and those who have deep roots of kindness’ may view the videotape.
You have requested numerous times that proof of the truth of the Buddha Dharma be provided. You can use real photographs of my practicing the nectar Dharma. You can also use the attestations of the Great Rinpoches that they personally participated in the Dharma Assembly and that they personally saw the Buddhas bestow nectar. However, one must use only group scenes. I am not qualified to claim personal merit or engage in self acclamation. As Long as living beings are benefited, that is enough. The Buddhas have bestowed nectar in response to the ripening of conditions of good fortune of those of you who were able to partake of the nectar. I think that the Buddhas bestowing of nectar must have been due to a Great Virtuous One among our disciples here who was helping me practice the Dharma. I am just a humble person. How could I have such great abilities?
I and all of you practitioners of Buddhism seated here today, including Great Bodhisattvas, should constantly maintain a heart of humility. You must remember what I say. I will never accept any offerings from anyone. This is because we are practitioners of Buddhism who maintain a heart of humility. We have come to this world to benefit living beings, not to covet and accept the money and property of others.
One of my disciples said that those false Rinpoches will hate me. I said that this is exactly the law or principle of cause and effect. This is because whoever is a false Rinpoche does not understand the Buddha Dharma. Such people are ordinary beings with ignorance, defilements, anger, and hatred. They are not able to obtain the true nectar of the Buddhas, are not able to experience true empowerment, and do not possess the qualifications to receive Supreme Division initiations. They must accept many disciples and rely upon the offerings of such disciples.
I do not accept many disciples. I only teach several dozen people of noble character. Anyone else who wants to learn the Buddha Dharma from me can only learn from the books I have written. Through learning from the books I have written, one can in the same manner obtain great fortune and end the cycle of birth and death. I do not have time to receive more disciples. Unlike those false Rinpoches, I do not accept any offerings.
If they did not hate me, whom would they hate? In previous times, were Sakyamuni Buddha, Master Padmasambhava, and Master Marpa not despised by false Rinpoches and followers of erroneous ways? If any of you who are my disciples meet up with evil people who defame me, you must not become angry or hateful. You must not use your supernormal powers to kill them. On the contrary, you must have great compassion for them and must be concerned for them. You must vow to bring them good fortune. You must vow to enable them to receive the correct Dharma as soon as possible. You must not give rise to even the slightest harmful thought, since we are living in this world to benefit and save living beings.
There is another point I would like to especially remind those Rinpoches and Dharma Teachers here today to convey to all other practitioners of Buddhism. Under no circumstances should one, upon seeing a Rinpoche, think of beseeching him or her to practice the Dharma to have true nectar bestowed. It could be said that this is impossible. Even those Rinpoches who are at the level of Dharma King may not have attained such realization. Practicing such Dharma is only for true Holy Ones who are Great Dharma Kings.
As for myself, if the conditions for all of you in attendance here today to receive the blessing of nectar were not mature, and if there was not a Holy Dharma King among you practicing the Dharma whom I do not have the ability to see, then I would not have been able to cause you to taste true nectar bestowed by the Buddhas! Thus, you disciples of mine who are Rinpoches and Great Virtuous Ones should tell your students not to make unrealistic demands upon other Rinpoches. As long as they are truly Great Virtuous Ones who actually propagate the correct Dharma of the Tathagata and are not false Rinpoches, we should be respectful toward them.
True Words Respectfully Written by Zhou Ma Rinpoche
I AM ZHUO MA Rinpoche. I and nearly 100 Rinpoches, Geshés, Khenpos, and Dharma Teachers participated in the Great Nectar Dharma Assembly conducted by Pamu. At the Dharma Assembly, I saw sacred occurrences that I had never seen before in my life. Pamu was seated on the Dharma King dais. Part of her discourse was as follows: “Everybody look clearly. This is a pure gold, empty Dharma bowl that has just been washed by a Rinpoche. There is nothing in it. Nobody is allowed to approach it. The video camera is not allowed to move during the entire videotaping today. The scene shot by the video camera will not change. Your eyes and the video camera will be used to keep watch on the bowl so as to see how this nectar arrives. Of course, it will be bestowed by the Buddhas themselves! Although I am now living overseas, I know how difficult it is for many Chinese people and other practitioners of Buddhism who do not understand the Tibetan language to learn Vajrayana Buddhism. Additionally, the entire practice of the Dharma today is the result of the ripening of conditions for there to be a great Buddha Dharma event in the land of the Chinese people. I will, therefore, solely use the Chinese language to give a discourse on the Dharma and to practice the Dharma.”
In the middle of the Dharma Assembly, it seemed as if my entire body was filled with a warm current. It was incomparably wonderful. It was not as if I had entered samadhi, yet it was not as if I had not entered samadhi. I truly do not know the reason why. The sky was changing. The earth was changing. There were numerous sacred sights at the Buddhist altar area. I can truthfully say that this is the first time I saw the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to the human realm. The empowerment that those virtuous ones in attendance received cannot be described in words.
At the Dharma Assembly, specifically for the Great Perfection Rainbow Body Accomplishment Dharma Initiation, Pamu practiced the Dharma for invoking the bestowal of the Most Precious Nectar. This nectar is indispensable for such initiation. The Most Precious Nectar can also be made into Most Precious Pills. It is the highest level of nectar. With just one taste of it, one will definitely have no obstacles in this lifetime in attaining accomplishment. At the time the nectar descended, the Buddhas also bestowed more than 1,000 yellow, white, and black shariras into the gold bowl.
White Bodhi Nectar
Red Bodhi Nectar
Long Life Nectar
At the Dharma Assembly, Pamu practiced the Dharma to have five types of nectar bestowed. Each type of nectar was of a separate grade. There was Long Life Nectar. It can extend one’s life span, increase one’s merit, deepen one’s state of realization, and help one develop supernormal powers. With just one taste of the silver-gray nectar bestowed by the Long Life Buddha, one’s life span will increase to over 120 years. With two tastes, one’s life span will increase to over 150 years.
There was also the Crystal Body Nectar bestowed by Aksobhya Buddha. Its luster was much more captivating than that of any precious gem. After being initiated with this type of nectar, one can successfully practice the Dharma to achieve the Transparent Crystal Reward Body. With just one taste of this nectar, one can immediately go through walls and have other miraculous powers.
Crystal Bodhi Nectar
There is also the Red Bodhi Nectar. This was bestowed by Amitabha, the first leader of the Vajrayana. This nectar is specially used in the highest and most sacred initiation within Vajrayana Buddhism: The Great Perfection Rainbow Body Dharma. We Rinpoches who were in attendance also saw that the nectar did not have the slightest semblance of anything which was made by man. The difterent types of nectar could not possibly have been objects made by an ordinary person. Each type of nectar had a mysterious and natural structure and seemed to be alive.
When the Dharma Assembly was about to end, Pamu gave the following instructions: Whoever saw the Buddhas descending from the sky and the bestowing of nectar into the Buddhist altar area must attest here today to what they saw in order to uphold the correct view for living being Those of you who did not see these things and who falsely attest will receive karmic retribution. Those Rinpoches and Great Virtuous Ones in attendance all attested to what they saw. The descending of nectar enabled all of us to understand the true tantra and especially enabled us to understand the magnificence of Pamu’s Buddha Dharma. I do not need to say what type of Holy One Pamu is, since everyone already knows. What else can I say at this point? I can only say the following words: Maintain a heart of humility, cultivate yourself well, and save living beings everywhere.
The Explanation of the Buddha’s Title – “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
On April 3, 2008, a solemn and dignified first-publishing ceremony of a fact-recording book entitled H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which published jointly by the World Buddhism Publishing LLC and the World Dharma Voice, Inc., was held at the Library of the Congress of the United States. The book was also formally accepted into the collection of the Library of the Congress of the United States. Only since that time, did people in the world know that Master Wan Ko Yee, who had been broadly respected by the great masses and who had also been known as Great Dharma King Yangwo Yeshe Norbu, had been recognized by the world’s leaders, regent dharma kings, and great rinpoches of Buddhism through official documents as the third incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, who is the primordial Sambhogakaya Buddha of the universe. The Buddha’s name is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Since then, people began to address His Holiness the Buddha by “Namo[1] Dorje Chang Buddha III.” This is similar to the situation that Sakyamuni Buddha’s name was Prince Siddhartha Gotama before attaining Buddhahood. However, after Sakyamuni Buddha had attained Buddhahood, His title changed to “Namo Sakyamuni Buddha.” That is why we now address His Holiness the Buddha as “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.” In particular, on December 12, 2012, the Senate Resolution No. 614 of the United States Congress officially used “His Holiness” in the name addressing Dorje Chang Buddha III (That is to say, “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.”) Since then, the title and status of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has been definitive by nature. And, as a matter of fact, “Dorje Chang Buddha III” is a name used legally in governmental and official legislative documents. Therefore, the previously used respected name and titles such as “Wan Ko Yee,” Great Master, and Great Dharma King no longer exist. However, the news below was published before the Buddha’s title of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was publicly announced. At that time, people did not know about the true status of His Holiness the Buddha. Therefore, to respect the true history, we still kept the names used before the title of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was legitimately determined in republishing this news. However, all must clearly know that the only legitimate name of His Holiness the Buddha is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and all other names used before the legitimate determination no longer exist.
Elder Monk Yi Zhao, the rightful heir of the Dharma lineage of Elder Monk Xu Yun, holds the esteemed position of the 44th great master within the Lin Chi sect of Zen Buddhism. Currently, he stands as the highest master in the realm of Zen Buddhism worldwide.
In June 2000, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III presided over a Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assembly. Following the assembly, an interview with Elder Monk Yi Zhao took place. The following is a transcription derived from the video tape of the Nectar Dharma Assembly.
QUESTION: Could you please briefly describe the wonderful occurrences that took place during the Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assemblythat you attended? ANSWER: We first saw the Dharma King. We then saw the Dharma King practice the Dharma to raise the consciousness of certain beings to higher realms of existence. We took a look and there were only a few wasps (yellow-jackets). After the Dharma King practiced the Dharma for a period of time, he said that he had already summoned many beings, such as solitary spirits, Kinnaras, etc. in order to raise their consciousness. When we went to take another look, we saw that there were many wasps. I do not know the exact number, but there must have been over ten thousand of them. During another period of time the Dharma King said that the raising of their consciousness is almost complete. Those wasps were specially benefited. Why were there all of those wasps? Certain solitary spirits, certain kinnaras and other beings took on the physical form of wasps, arrived at the scene and received the consciousness raising Dharma. What is receiving the consciousness raising Dharma?
We human beings must eat and drink in order to survive and grow. However, after those solitary spirits received the consciousness raising Dharma, they were able to take birth in a heavenly realm in the Western Paradise or in another buddha realm. We went over and took another look. We noticed that all of the wasps had departed. Why did none of them remain? They received the consciousness raising Dharma and were raised. Therefore, none of them remained, because they were liberated. This is what we first saw at the dharma assembly. The next part of the assembly was the “Buddhas Bestowing Nectar.” There were five or six of us. There were about a dozen monks and nuns. It was not only Chinese people who participated in this part of the assembly. There were even non-Chinese people there! At this time, a bowl was placed about 30 feet away from the Dharma King. What type of bowl was this? It was a crystal bowl. The crystal bowl was placed on the ground. The bowl was in the middle of two opposite lines of people. The bowl was not far from the two lines of people. Everyone sat on the ground and looked at the bowl. This crystal bowl had a lid and was a bit smaller than a washbowl.
There was another bowl that was small. Elder Wu Ming was asked to wash that small bowl with water. After he washed it, he was asked to wipe it dry. He wiped the inside of the bowl so well that not one drop of water remained. This bowl was then placed back inside of the crystal bowl. The Dharma King then told everybody to stare at the bowl. He said that our vision must remain fixed on the bowl. All of us began to stare at the bowl. After awhile, what did the bowl appear to contain? A meteor. Of course, it was not a real meteor. It seemed as if rain had fallen. What exactly was in the bowl? It was white. It descended with flashes of light. It took a while for it to descend. The Dharma King then told us to open the bowl and look inside. The small bowl was inside the crystal bowl, yet flashes of light could be seen within the crystal bowl. This interior bowl slowly became filled. What color was the substance that filled the bowl? It seemed to be white. It was not pure white. It looked like milk, but it was not milk. It was like that of the finest cream. It was a a very savory taste with a bit of sweetness. The Dharma King personally fed it to all of us during the Dharma Assembly. Rays of red light descended. Flashes of red light descended. The strange thing was that each person’s perception of the color of this light was different.
Why? Since each person’s level of cultivation and state of realization are different, there were differences in the supernormal states they perceived. I followed Elder Monk Xu Yun ever since I was young. I also met Master Tai Xu. The two of them practiced different dharma methods and therefore had different states of realization. I have met many practitioners of Buddhism such as those who practice the dharma of the Pure Land School, those who practice Zen meditation, etc. However, I have never seen the supernormal state of nectar descending from the sky. What about this time? This time, I personally saw it. I truly saw it. This is a very rare occurrence. I obtained a certain insight from this experience. Of course, people have different levels of realization. What did the Great Dharma King rely upon in his Tantric visualization? He relied upon our original nature in his visualization. The usefulness arose from the prajna of true emptiness. This even includes nectar bestowed from the sky. The light of the Tathagata descended out of emptiness. This was the wonderful effect of the Dharma King’s application of prajna.
What is Prajna? It is realization that all phenomena are empty. Things arise from true emptiness. Emptiness can bring about wonderful effects. Wonderful effects arise from prajna. All realities thus arise. All phenomena thus arise. Over the past several decades of my life, that was the only time when I actually saw the supernormal state of nectar descending from the sky. I have followed many great elderly monks when they practice the dharma in private. I could not see any effects. However, this time at the Dharma Assembly, I truly saw certain effects. Today I am describing to everybody the facts concerning nectar that descended from the sky. So that everybody will understand, I am not talking about exoteric Buddhism or esoteric Buddhism. I am saying that the wonderful effects of the buddha dharma are beyond logic and reason. If we cultivate ourselves sincerely, we certainly will experience these wonderful effects. Of course, if you meet a good teacher, your cultivation will progress rapidly. If you do not meet up with a good teacher, yet you still diligently cultivate yourself on your own, you will naturally encounter a good teacher in the future. These are my personal insights. Today I have briefly described nectar descending from the sky, which I personally saw. It truly occurred.
QUESTION: With respect to the effects of the nectar on you, after you ate the nectar, was there any great change in your state of realization?
ANSWER: After eating nectar one’s physical strength naturally increases and one’s internal practices are benefited. It helps one’s cultivation, no matter what method of cultivation one practices. Of course, this is something incredible. Whenever a thought arises in my mind, no matter what type of thought it may be, I will introspect upon it. I will immediately become vigilant. I will immediately introspect. If my mind has even just a little greed or anger, I will get rid of it. I feel better physically. Although I am now over 70 years old, my physical condition is not bad. It is a little better than before. I think that each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Why? Each person’s karma is different and each person’s insights into life are different.
For example, fish see the ocean water as something to live in. Human beings view the ocean water as a means of eating, yet celestial beings see this body of water as colored glaze. Each person’s insights are different. Each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Although the effects are different, the nectar will plant a certain seed within the person. Take for example, those who recite Amitabha Buddha’s name. Even though they continually recite Amitabha Buddha’s name, who knows when they will be able to obtain Buddhahood. However, some people recite Amitabha Buddha’s name only a few times or ten times, yet they are able to be reborn in the Western paradise. This is because the underlying karmic conditions of each person are different. Therefore, each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Nevertheless, the nectar will provide each of them with benefits to further their liberation. These are my opinions, understandings, and feelings.
QUESTION: Did the lecture of the Great Dharma King provide you with any insight or great benefit?
ANSWER: What did the Great Dharma King speak about: Emptiness and prajna. Each sentence that he spoke contained prajna wisdom. It was not a general lecture. If it had been, then the words would have been simple. However, all of his words reflected prajna wisdom. That is, all phenomena arise out of emptiness. All of our thoughts of greed, hatred, ignorance, conceit, and doubt arise out of attachment to the concept of self or out of attachment to the concept that the things of the world are real. When these two attachments spur our thoughts, then the various afflictions arise. What type of affliction arises? Pleasure and suffering. From the perspective of our pure, original nature, pleasure and suffering are born of ignorance. Why? To do evil is suffering. One does evil due to the obscuration of ignorance. We can turn this around and speak of pleasure. There is an impure way of doing good. For example, when we do good, we might do so in order to be benefited in a future life. This is an impure way of doing good which leads to more suffering within cyclic existence.
This way of doing good is tainted. Why? When we do a good deed we must not have any attachment in our minds. If we have any attachment in our mind then we will not obtain liberation. Therefore, the Dharma King said that all phenomena are empty. Prajna is the most important thing in the nature of everything. We, if we can understand the Dharma King’s words that all phenomena are empty, then we can simply see the objective truth without giving rise to thoughts of suffering, pleasure, goodness, and evil. Everything arises from the coming together of the four great elements. We should realize prajna through understanding that true emptiness is the true nature of all phenomena. Wonderful effects are produced from true emptiness.
We should understand that all phenomena must go through the process of arising, existing, changing (deteriorating), and passing away. Living beings go through the process of birth, aging, sickness, and death. From where does this process originate? It originates from true emptiness. Using the prajna that has penetrated the empty nature of phenomena we can see the four great elements of earth, water, fire, and wind come together due to the maturing of certain conditions. The four great elements disperse when these conditions end. However, why do we become attached to the worldly phenomenon so as to give rise to all afflictions and all hindrances? We must rely upon the contemplation of prajna to eliminate all ignorance. we must use the flames of wisdom to burn away all negative karma created out of ignorance. every sentence spoken by the Dharma King was permeated with prajna. We will be tremendously benefited from reflecting upon his words. These are my impressions. In the future all one has to do is read just one of the Dharma King’s works and that will be enough. It will be sufficient to only focus on one method. Even if you only assimilate one sentence of the Dharma King’s words, the beneficial effects could last for your entire life or even last for an infinite amount of time in the future.
The original nature of all phenomena is emptiness. Out minds should not dwell on the past, present, or future. Our minds should not dwell on any phenomena or anything that exists in the external world. When we do not dwell on anything, what type of mind do we have? A pure mind. Our various views emanate from our consciousness and form the external environment. These views are based on ignorance. If based upon a pure mind, we are able to contemplate phenomena, yet not become attached to phenomena; abide in emptiness, yet not become attached to emptiness. If we are able to practice the total detachment of the Middle Way, then we can obtain liberation. Each sentence that the Dharma King spoke truly went to the heart of prajna. Each sentence has the potential to break our cycles of birth and death and totally eliminate our ignorance.
Peace LiLy 
