Tag: Dorje Chang Buddha

When Love Lifts Life: A Remarkable Story from the Ocean

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Mystical sperm whales with golden runes and a bioluminescent calf in a deep-sea environment.
Ancient whales adorned with golden runes protect a bioluminescent calf in this mystical deep-sea scene.

July, 2023. Out on the open sea.

A group of marine biologists was tracking a pod of sperm whales. At first, something felt strange. Eleven whales floated motionless at the surface, as if time itself had paused. The ocean was eerily quiet.

Then, about an hour later, the stillness shattered. The water suddenly turned red.

Hearts racing, the scientists braced themselves for the harsh reality of nature.
Was this a hunt? A death? A moment of survival at another creature’s expense?

But as a drone camera moved closer, the truth revealed something entirely different.

There was no violence. No tragedy.

A mother whale—named Rounder—was giving birth.

In a rare and breathtaking moment, the scientists witnessed a new life entering the world. A tiny tail emerged first, as sperm whale calves are born tail-first, and slowly, a newborn began its journey into the vast ocean.

It should have been a moment of pure joy.

But in the ocean, birth is only the beginning of the struggle to survive.

A newborn sperm whale faces an immediate danger. Unlike adults, it has not yet developed the specialized organ in its head that helps regulate buoyancy. In simple terms, the baby cannot stay afloat on its own.

Without help, it would sink.

And sinking, in the open ocean, means death.

But what happened next was something no one could have predicted.

The ten other whales surrounding Rounder moved into action.

One by one, they swam beneath the newborn calf, using their massive bodies to gently push it upward—lifting it to the surface so it could take its first breaths. Again and again, they repeated this act, forming a living cradle beneath the fragile life.

This was not a brief effort.

For three hours, the whales took turns, tirelessly supporting the newborn, ensuring it did not sink. Each whale became a living buoy, offering strength, patience, and care.

It was a relay of compassion.

What makes this story even more extraordinary is what scientists later discovered: nearly half of the whales helping that day were not directly related to the mother or the calf.

They were not bound by blood.

And yet, they stayed. They helped. They gave their strength to protect a life that was not “their own.”

In the world of sperm whale, this is part of a deeper truth. These whales live in close-knit, matriarchal societies—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and daughters supporting one another. But their care goes beyond family ties. It extends into a culture of mutual aid, a shared understanding:

Today I help you. Tomorrow, someone will help me.

In a world where nature is often described as ruthless and unforgiving, this moment tells a different story.

Survival is not driven by strength alone.
It is sustained by connection.

Even in the vast, indifferent ocean, life finds a way through cooperation, through presence, through something that looks very much like love.

Perhaps there is something for us to learn here.

In our own lives, we all face moments when we feel like we are sinking—overwhelmed, alone, unable to stay afloat. And sometimes, the help that lifts us does not come from those closest to us, but from unexpected kindness, from strangers, from quiet acts of support.

Like those whales in the open sea, we, too, are part of a larger web of life.

In Buddhism, there is a teaching that all beings are interconnected, bound together through causes and conditions. The kindness we offer today becomes the support we receive tomorrow. This is the quiet working of karma—not as fate, but as the natural unfolding of our actions.

The whales did not calculate reward or recognition. They simply responded to suffering with care.

In the same way, when we act with compassion, we become part of a greater flow of life—one that uplifts, protects, and sustains all beings.

Perhaps awakening does not begin with grand realizations, but with small, sincere acts:

To notice when another is sinking.
And to gently help them rise.

Link:

I willingly accept the karmic retribution of cause and effect for everything I have stated

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Longzhi Danbei Nima Rinpoche

A Personal Account of Extraordinary Events

The return of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Yun Gao Yixi Nuo Bu, to this world is widely recognized. His supreme moral virtue and mastery of the Five Vidyas are unparalleled—there is no second holy being who can be compared to Him. This is something well known to many.

As for the extraordinary spiritual states that people often find astonishing, such manifestations occur frequently in His presence. Those of us who have served closely around H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III have witnessed so much that, over time, we have almost grown accustomed to these sacred phenomena—perhaps even somewhat numb to them.

However, the two events I wish to share here are not significant simply because I personally experienced them. Rather, they are directly connected to the karmic blessings of all sentient beings in this world.

The First Event: A Mysterious Earthquake

The first incident took place on the afternoon of July 30, 1999, at around 4:00 PM.

Due to changing circumstances, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III decided to leave China. At that time, the departure could not be made public, so I was the only one accompanying Him. We stood outside the South Entrance of Meijing Building in Luohu District, Shenzhen, waiting for a car to take Him to the airport.

Suddenly, I felt my body shake. Behind me, the thirty-story building began to sway. Even the heavy streetlights fixed onto the granite base rattled loudly, their glass covers clattering continuously for dozens of seconds.

I immediately realized that the earth was trembling—an earthquake. Yet my heart felt heavy, and I remained silent.

After a moment, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked calmly,
“Was that the earth shaking?”

I simply replied, “Yes.”

His expression remained composed. He clearly understood that the buildings would not collapse, for this was no ordinary earthquake—it arose from a profound karmic cause connected to the Dharma.

According to the scriptures, the earth trembles only when a Buddha descends into the world or enters parinirvana. At that time, however, I did not fully comprehend the deeper significance of what had occurred.

Only later did I come to realize:
beings in the Western world were about to receive great blessings—they would have the opportunity to encounter the true Dharma.

The Second Event: A Manifestation Beyond Imagination

The second event occurred on the very day I first paid homage to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Beginning that day, a grand Dharma assembly was held over many consecutive days. During this assembly, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounded profound teachings, including “Debates Between Monastics and Laypeople” and “What I Have Seen and Reflected Upon,” addressing beings of different capacities and karmic conditions.

Before the teachings began, an elderly practitioner, Huang Huibang, shared his personal experience of receiving blessings from the Buddha that very day.

Huang Huibang was a highly respected figure in China, formerly serving as Vice Chairman of the Jiangxi Buddhist Association, and was often referred to as the “Living Buddha of Jiangxi.”

From a young age, while studying in Japan, he encountered Buddhism and devoted himself wholeheartedly to its practice. For over seventy years, he maintained a vegetarian lifestyle and rarely parted from the scriptures. His lifelong dedication and sincerity were deeply moving.

Even at nearly ninety years old, he traveled alone to Tibet in search of the Dharma. The revered master Jigme Phuntsok was profoundly touched by his devotion and told him:

“Your roots of virtue are exceedingly deep. You should go and study higher Dharma under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.”

He then informed him where to find the Buddha.

Huang Huibang recounted that on that day, he personally partook of sacred offerings bestowed through H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He was also told that his wish could be fulfilled—that he could behold a Buddha.

Yet at the moment when this was about to happen, Huang Huibang hesitated and said he would rather see a Dharma protector instead.

At that instant, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III casually called out.

Mahakala Vaja Protector

Suddenly, a Dharma protector appeared out of thin air—towering like an iron pillar, clad in black armor, with a thunderous roar. The sheer presence overwhelmed Huang Huibang, and he fell backward onto the ground before he could react. (A recording of Huang Huibang recounting this event exists.)

One may ask: who could summon such a being with a single call?

Only a Buddha possesses such majestic power and virtue.

A Solemn Affirmation

These two events are entirely true.

If I have spoken falsely to deceive others, may I bear all negative consequences. But if what I have shared is true, then may all be auspicious, and may all beings have the opportunity to hear the true Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, increasing in both merit and wisdom, and ultimately attaining liberation.

Disciple of the Buddha: Longzhi Danbei Nima
November 15, 2007

This article has been translated from Chinese by Linda Chang for your reference. Please click https://changhuaxxx.blogspot.com/2017/06/blog-post_0.html to view the original Chinese version.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/27/i-willingly-accept-the-karmic-retribution-of-cause-and-effect-for-everything-i-have-stated/

Appreciation of the Western Painting of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III — “The Rhythm of Water Bubbles”

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A supernatural abstract color work

Through his brushwork, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III renders the subtle life cycle of a water bubble—its emergence, transformation, and eventual dissolution—with remarkable vitality. Though the medium is static, the painting evokes a striking sense of movement and immediacy. One almost senses the gentle drifting of bubbles across the surface, and even imagines the delicate sound that might accompany the instant when a bubble touches the ground and quietly disappears.

Beyond its visual beauty, the work carries a deeper contemplative resonance. In the fleeting rhythm of the bubbles, one cannot help but see a metaphor for the human condition. The trajectory of a bubble—from its brief formation to its silent vanishing—mirrors the arc of human life: birth, growth, aging, and departure. Life itself unfolds within the span of a breath, fragile and transient, reminding us of the importance of awareness and presence in each passing moment.

From an artistic perspective, the painting also demonstrates a remarkable command of impressionistic expression. The composition operates not only as a unified whole but also as a constellation of smaller visual worlds. Any isolated fragment of the canvas could stand independently as an exquisite impressionist study, rich in color, light, and atmosphere. This structural richness gives the work a dreamlike, almost illusory quality—where forms appear to emerge and dissolve within layers of color and movement.

In this way, the painting invites the viewer to linger, not merely to observe, but to reflect. It transforms a simple natural phenomenon into a meditation on impermanence, perception, and the delicate beauty of existence.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/04/appreciation-of-the-western-painting-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-the-rhythm-of-water-bubbles/

When the Miraculous Manifests: A Testament to Supreme Realization

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The president of the International Zhengfa Buddhist Institute, Layman Zheng Zhenhuang, a Taiwanese who served for many years as the head of Huiju Publishing House, and who also worked as an on-site interpreter for Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama), is a deeply devoted Buddhist practitioner. He has accumulated profound merit through his sincere dedication to Buddhist affairs and is known as a filial son.

In order to help his father quickly attain rebirth in a Buddha-land, he, together with Dharma Master Guangxin and others, journeyed across rugged mountains and snowy grasslands to seek an audience with the Great Dharma King Yangwo Yeshe Norbu (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III), the supreme Vajrayana upholder.

Before the Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) knelt three Rinpoches, twelve Dharma masters, over twenty virtuous lay practitioners including Zheng Zhenhuang, as well as dakinis, Dharma protectors, and various visible and invisible beings. At that time, the Great Dharma King announced:

“Now that you have come, nothing is more important than liberating the deceased. The deliverance of Zhenhuang’s father will be presided over by Vajravārāhī A Wang Norbu Pamu. Though she is thousands of miles away, she will use the miraculous powers of Buddhadharma to draw your father’s conscious spirit into her mandala. Within three days, he will be sent to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, attaining rebirth at the middle grade of the middle level. Later, when you watch the video and look at the sky, you will know.”

After speaking, the Great Dharma King took out a videotape of Pamu’s Dharma image and said:

“First, you must understand how great Pamu is. Watch this tape.”

Layman Zhenhuang personally rewound the tape and operated the machine himself. As everyone watched, they repeatedly exclaimed that the merit was immeasurable and inconceivable. The true form of Vajravārāhī manifested—how could it possibly resemble an ordinary worldly appearance? It was incomparably majestic and solemn.

An alliance of eighty-three universities in the United States and around the world had jointly conferred upon Pamu the world’s first and only Triple-Body Doctorate along with the highest Golden Crown and Royal Robe. Seated upon the Dharma throne, Pamu received the certificate, the doctoral royal robe, and a diamond-studded golden crown valued at over twenty million U.S. dollars. These were presented after the American conferral chairman, the British vice chairman, and great living Buddhas performed formal prostrations.

Wearing the diamond crown, Pamu gave a teaching:

“Although you have done much, I will not say thank you. For me, this is merely a skillful means in carrying out Dharma activities. In truth, all conditioned phenomena are illusory and unreal, just like your bodies. Though they appear to exist, they are falsely existent—unreal.”

At that very moment, the diamond crown atop Pamu’s head suddenly vanished—in less than a hundredth of a second, it disappeared without a trace. When she then said she would bestow blessings upon everyone, the diamond crown instantly reappeared on her head. The chairmen and the great Rinpoches witnessed this transformation of impermanence in a single instant. Hearing her profound exposition of ultimate truth, their discursive thoughts were stilled, wisdom opened suddenly, and all generated the Mahayana bodhicitta.

After the viewing, Layman Zhenhuang removed Pamu’s Dharma-image tape from the camera, wrapped it in a khata (ceremonial scarf), and hung it around his neck for blessing.

At that moment, the Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) instructed him to immediately write out his father’s birth data. Then Layman Zhenhuang took from his pocket a brand-new, unused videotape and recorded the birth information along with the scene of the Rinpoches, Dharma masters, monks, nuns, and lay disciples present. After filming, he removed that newly recorded tape and placed it securely in his jacket pocket.

The Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) then pointed to the Pamu tape hanging around Zhenhuang’s neck and said:

“Pamu possesses unsurpassed merit. She is the great and compassionate Holy Mother. Now, through the great miraculous powers of Buddhadharma, Pamu has gathered all the images you just recorded into the Dharma tape hanging around your neck.”

Though everyone held the Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) in the highest respect, several people harbored serious doubts. They had just watched Pamu’s tape from beginning to end and had seen none of the present assembly in it. Moreover, after playing it, Zheng had hung it around his neck without removing it even for a second. The newly recorded tape had been kept separately in his pocket—how could its images possibly enter the tape around his neck?

The Great Dharma King then said:

“Watch Pamu’s tape again.”

Zheng removed the tape from his neck, rewound it the same way, and played it a second time. Instantly, everyone exclaimed in unison, “Wow!” They were stunned and deeply moved. The entire scene that had just been recorded—and was still in Zheng’s pocket—now appeared clearly and identically on Pamu’s tape. They played it a third time; it remained perfectly clear and unchanged.

Most crucially, after the first viewing, Pamu’s tape had not come into contact with any machine. Everyone had seen Zheng hang it around his neck immediately, without it leaving him for even a second. How could completely unrelated footage have entered that tape? The true Buddhadharma is profoundly great and wondrous—whether radio waves, cables, computers, or anything in the universe, all realms can transform in accordance with the mind.

After watching again, the tape remained in the machine. The Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) then said:

“Now I request Pamu to gather your father and everyone’s images into her Dorje mandala for blessing.”

With just that sentence, they played the tape a fourth time. The clear scenes of the assembly had vanished without a trace, leaving only Pamu’s original footage. At that moment, Rinpoche Bodi Wentu shouted:

“Everyone, look! There is Buddha-light in the sky!”

All present saw multicolored Buddha-light flashing across the boundless heavens, radiating warm streams of blessing upon the assembly. They were filled only with awe and praise. Pamu had indeed gathered them for blessing—only their images had been removed; Pamu’s own image remained as before.

The Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) then said:

“I will convey a few words from Pamu to you. These are also my words: When miraculous powers manifest, once the event has passed, let it pass. Do not cling to it. It should be understood as illusion, encompassed by emptiness. Therefore, one should give rise to the mind without abiding anywhere. If you have the opportunity, study my ‘The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation,’ and everything will become clear.”

After speaking, the Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) closed his eyes and remained unmoving.

You may reflect on this: in today’s world, who possesses such realization and spiritual attainment? You may ask Layman Zheng. He has encountered many great Rinpoches and Dharma masters, and especially has had deep karmic connections translating Dharma for the Dalai Lama. If any other Dharma King possessed such realization, he would surely have sought the Dalai Lama’s assistance. He would not have crossed mountains and grasslands to seek this Great Dharma King to liberate his father.

More importantly, this Great Dharma King (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) is untouched by worldly fame and profit. His Dharma virtue rises to lofty peaks, transcending past and present. He is supremely proficient in both the Exoteric and Esoteric teachings and the Tripiṭaka, and is a great upholder of Buddhadharma in today’s world. Thus, his correction of the treatises attributed to Bodhidharma is an invaluable treasure, worthy of the utmost reverence and study. You should also read The Essence of Buddhadharma, recorded by Venerable Guangxin. Only after reading and realizing will you truly understand. To say more would be of little use—let it end here.

(This post is translated and excerpted from the preface to On Correcting the Treatises of Patriarch Bodhidharma, written by Lama Dorje Losang for your reference only. For the original Chinese version, please click here.)

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/26/when-the-miraculous-manifests-a-testament-to-supreme-realization/

Walking for Peace: A Call for Moral Leadership Today

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In a world shadowed by war, polarization, and a visible crisis of character among national leaders, many people feel a quiet but persistent sense of moral drifting. We watch the headlines, we hear the rhetoric, and we wonder: Where is the steady compass that points us toward what is right?

At this crossroads, political strategies alone are not enough. What we urgently need is moral leadership.

History reminds us what that looks like. Martin Luther King Jr. transformed American society not by deepening divisions, but by calling a fractured nation back to its highest values. His authority did not come from force, wealth, or position. It came from moral clarity. He appealed to conscience. He awakened compassion. He united people under the banner of shared human dignity.

Today, facing new global conflicts and cultural tensions, we must ask again: Where will the next wave of moral authority arise?

Buddhist monks walking in silence, carrying a powerful message of peace and mindfulness. (Handout photo)

Recently, about twenty monks completed a 108-day walking journey for peace. Their pilgrimage was not a political campaign. It was not a media spectacle. It was a living embodiment of mindfulness and compassion in action. Step by step, through towns and cities, they carried a quiet message: peace is not merely an agreement signed on paper—it is a way of walking through the world.

In a society saturated with noise, outrage, and endless commentary, their disciplined silence spoke volumes. Their presence offered a visual reminder that true leadership begins with inner cultivation. When we lead with anger, we multiply conflict. When we lead with compassion, we create space for healing.

This is where Buddhist wisdom offers a profound contribution. Rooted in great compassion, loving-kindness, and deep self-reflection, the Buddhist path teaches that personal transformation and public responsibility are inseparable. A leader who has not mastered their own mind cannot bring harmony to others.

Across North America, millions now identify with Buddhist teachings, making it one of the most influential spiritual communities in the region. This growing presence brings an essential perspective to our troubled era—one that emphasizes empathy for all who suffer and reverence for every form of life.

Within this tradition, many look to Dorje Chang Buddha III as an example of moral leadership. Having lived in the United States for more than two decades, he has been recognized internationally for humanitarian and charitable work. His honors include the World Peace Prize, the Presidential Gold Medal, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, and even a resolution passed in the United States Senate in recognition of his contributions.

Yet perhaps more powerful than any award is his response to recognition. In an age driven by ego and self-promotion, he has expressed a vow of radical humility:

“I will bear all of the karmic offenses committed by living beings, and I will give everyone all of the good karma and merit that I plant.”

Whether one interprets this statement spiritually or symbolically, its moral essence is clear: a true leader does not seek to accumulate praise or advantage. A true leader seeks to shoulder responsibility and give benefit.

This is the kind of leadership our world desperately needs.

Moral leadership is not confined to one religion, culture, or tradition. It can be expressed through Judeo-Christian ethics, Buddhist compassion, or any path that places the common good above personal ambition. What matters is the heart behind the action.

If we are to navigate the challenges of our era, the answer will not come solely from policy, power, or popularity. It will come from conscience.

And perhaps the real invitation is not only to seek moral leaders—but to become them, each in our own sphere of influence.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/19/walking-for-peace-a-call-for-moral-leadership-today/

Serving Day and Night: A Close Disciple’s Account of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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In a recent episode of “Expounding the Absolute True Through the Heart Sutra,” a longtime disciple, Layman Qi, shared his personal experiences of serving and accompanying H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III for more than twenty years. What he described was not merely a teacher’s routine—it was a life of tireless, wholehearted service to all living beings.

Layman Qi has followed H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III for over two decades, often driving for Him and staying close to Him in daily life. Through these years, he witnessed something that left a deep impression on his heart:

“In all these twenty-plus years,” he said, “I have never truly seen the Buddha rest. I do not even know when He rests.”

From early dawn, instructions are already being given. Throughout the day, the Buddha meets disciples, expounds the Dharma, grants empowerments, and resolves spiritual questions. Frequently, these activities continue until one, two, or even three o’clock in the morning.

Some may assume that after leaving the temple, He returns home to rest. According to Layman Qi, this is not so. Even when returning late—sometimes at three or four in the morning—His Holiness still carefully instructs disciples to ensure that even the dogs have been fed, water prepared, and that animals, including wildlife, are properly cared for.

Layman Qi describes H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as the most hardworking person he has ever encountered. Not only does the Buddha care for disciples, but He also performs Dharma services, dedications of merit, and liberative practices for countless sentient beings—including beings of the Six Realms whom ordinary eyes cannot see.

Meals are simple and often delayed. Breakfast is typically just a small bowl of porridge with a bit of pickled vegetables. Many days, even by seven or eight in the evening, lunch has still not been taken.

Disciples sometimes travel thousands of miles to seek an audience. Layman Qi understands their sincerity. Yet he gently reminds fellow practitioners: if one truly seeks the Buddha, the purpose should be to learn how to cultivate, how to transcend birth and death, and how to receive authentic Dharma teachings—not to occupy time with mundane disputes or worldly concerns.

Layman Qi reflects deeply on this point. In worldly life, one may seek employment for financial gain. But a Buddhist disciple seeking the Buddha should seek liberation, wisdom, and genuine cultivation.

Worldly difficulties—business setbacks, family discord—arise from karma. As the Buddha teaches, even a cool breeze in summer or the loss of a single hair operates within cause and effect. Understanding this principle, disciples should focus on transforming their karma through practice, rather than burdening the Buddha with worldly entanglements.

When countless disciples seek meetings daily, even a few minutes of casual worldly conversation multiplied many times over would prevent the Buddha from guiding those sincerely seeking liberation. For Layman Qi, this understanding has become an essential lesson in cultivation itself.

Perhaps the most moving detail is what happens after disciples finally rest for the night.

Layman Qi explains that stacks of requests—for blessings, dedications, and liberation rites—are presented to the Buddha. While others sleep, His Holiness continues performing practices and dedicating merit for sentient beings.

“To us,” Layman Qi reflects, “rest means sleep. But for the Buddha, there seems to be no such thing as rest. Twenty-four hours a day, His life is for living beings.”

What Layman Qi shares is only a glimpse. He openly admits that what he has seen is just a small portion of the Buddha’s boundless effort and compassion. Yet even this small portion, he says, is already beyond what ordinary people could endure.

In his words, the Buddha “never considers Himself.” Every action is directed toward benefiting living beings. This, he believes, is not only an expression of supreme compassion but also a profound lesson for all practitioners.

To serve without seeking return.
To give without calculating personal gain.
To work tirelessly for the liberation of others.

This is the example he has witnessed for over twenty years.

This post is translated and edited from Interview with a Buddhist Disciple (62): AM1300 Chinese Radio Station – Exclusive Interview with U.S. Layman Qi Pengzhi 《佛弟子訪談（六十二）：AM1300中文廣播電臺-專訪美國 戚朋直居士》 by Linda Chang. For original records, please click here.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/13/serving-day-and-night-a-close-disciples-account-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

A Life of Selflessness: The Unwavering Vow of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Since the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, it has been a long-established tradition in Buddhism for disciples to make offerings to their masters or teachers from whom they receive the Dharma. This practice is clearly stipulated in Buddhist teachings and has been followed for over two thousand years across cultures and countries. Making offerings is regarded as both an expression of gratitude and a means of cultivating merit.

Yet, in striking contrast to this universal custom, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III made an extraordinary vow very early in His life: to never accept any offering from anyone.

Rather than receiving support, He has chosen to give unconditionally. Rather than being served, He serves others. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has repeatedly said with humility,
“I am a servant of living beings.”

This is not a symbolic statement—it is a lifelong practice.

Throughout His life in China, and from the time He first settled in the United States to the present day, countless Buddhist disciples have sincerely attempted to make offerings to Him. These were not small gestures. Some offerings reached millions, even tens of millions of U.S. dollars, given voluntarily and without condition. Yet without exception, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has steadfastly refused every offering, remaining absolutely faithful to His vow.

Many disciples, deeply moved by this experience, have written open and notarized testimonials describing how their offerings were respectfully but firmly declined. These accounts stand as living evidence of a level of integrity that is rare in any age.

In early 2018, at the Holy Miracles Temple, Ms. Judy Kuan—whose Dharma name is Dunzhu—solemnly made a public vow before Shakyamuni Buddha and Skanda Bodhisattva. Standing in the Grand Hall, she revealed a truth she had kept private for many years: her personal experience witnessing H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s absolute refusal to accept offerings, regardless of their magnitude.

This invites us to pause and reflect. Imagine being faced with vast wealth—gold, land, and enormous sums of money—freely offered, unconditionally given, without demand or obligation. Could any ordinary person truly reject it all? Not a portion. Not even a single cent. And do so consistently, over decades, without wavering?

Could we remain completely untainted?

For many decades, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has lived exactly in this way—helping others entirely on a voluntary basis, never seeking reward, recognition, or material gain. From early morning until late into the night—often two or three o’clock in the morning—He continues to work tirelessly to resolve the suffering of living beings, to address Dharma matters, and to guide others on the path of righteousness and compassion.

This is not occasional generosity. It is unceasing selflessness.

In a world where spiritual authority is too often entangled with wealth and power, the conduct of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stands as a rare and powerful example. His life demonstrates that true cultivation is not spoken—it is lived. True compassion does not ask for return. And true realization naturally manifests as service to others.

Further supporting this truth, several Buddhist disciples have publicly released notarized letters, now translated into English, testifying that their offerings were refused. These documents exist not to persuade, but to allow people to see for themselves.

In the end, the question is not whether we admire such selflessness—but whether we allow it to awaken something within our own hearts.

For those who reflect deeply, the life of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III offers a quiet yet profound reminder:
the highest virtue is to give without taking,
to serve without asking,
and to live entirely for the benefit of others.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Click here for recognitions from Dharma Kings and Rinpoches

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/06/a-life-of-selflessness-the-unwavering-vow-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Xing Garden on Mount Rili: Where Nature, Brush, and Spirit Converge

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Chinese Painting by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Created in 1993, Xing Garden at Mount Rili stands as a masterful expression of the artist’s profound understanding of nature and brushwork. The painting presents a dramatic world of steep cliffs and cascading water, inviting the viewer into a landscape that feels both monumental and intimate.

Dominated by vibrant greens, the work vividly captures moss and grasses spreading freely across rocky surfaces. These lush tones breathe life into the cliffs, softening their ruggedness while emphasizing the quiet vitality that thrives within seemingly harsh terrain. Nature here is not static; it pulses with energy and renewal.

The painting employs the refined “Miaoxie” (妙写) technique—a style that reveals its true depth through careful observation. At first glance, the composition appears fluid and effortless. Yet upon closer inspection, the brushstrokes intertwine like delicate wires, layered and interwoven with extraordinary precision. These subtle lines create constant movement and variation, generating emotional richness and visual intrigue through their complexity.

One of the most captivating aspects of this work lies in its masterful use of illusory watery ink, where solidity and transparency coexist. Ink seems to flow and dissolve at the same time, offering a boundless sense of depth and atmosphere. Whether viewed from afar or examined up close, the painting reveals a bottomless waterfall, rendered with meticulous detail yet infused with powerful momentum.

What is especially striking is the contrast between refinement and strength. From a distance, the scene appears serene and orderly; yet when the viewer studies the brushwork closely, the strokes reveal unexpected vigor and boldness. Within apparent emptiness, there is substance; within seeming chaos, there is profound order. This balance embodies the highest level of artistic cultivation.

Through free yet disciplined brushwork, the artist transforms a simple natural motif—a waterfall between two cliffs—into a scene of extraordinary aesthetic depth. The power of each stroke carries both physical strength and spiritual presence, allowing the painting to transcend mere representation and enter the realm of lived experience.

Xing Garden at Mount Rili is more than a landscape painting. It is a quiet dialogue between nature and the artist’s inner world, revealing how true mastery lies not in excess, but in the ability to uncover profound beauty within simplicity.

This beautiful artwork is part of the permanent exhibition at the International Art Museum of America, located in downtown San Francisco.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/03/xing-garden-on-mount-rili-where-nature-brush-and-spirit-converge/

Be Your Own Spotlight: Seeing Courage, Growth, and Quiet Brilliance Through Young Eyes

linda changLeave a comment

IAMA presents Be Your Own Spotlight by Yen’s Art Studio

Walking into Be Your Own Spotlight, presented by Yen’s Art Studio, at IAMA (The international Art Museum of America), I didn’t feel like I was entering a typical student art exhibition. Instead, it felt more like stepping into 150 honest conversations—each one visual, brave, and deeply personal.

The exhibition features 150 outstanding works by young students, created across a wide range of mediums—acrylic, watercolor, pencil, and mixed media. But what moved me most was not the variety of techniques; it was the sense that every piece quietly declared: this is who I am right now.

These students are not just learning how to paint or draw. They are learning how to trust their voices, how to take up space, and how to stand behind what they create. Their works reflect growth, self-discovery, and the joy—and sometimes uncertainty—of becoming. Whether you are a parent, an educator, a collector, or simply someone searching for inspiration, this exhibition offers something meaningful to feel, not just something pleasant to see.

As I moved through the gallery, I was delighted by the sheer range of imagination: striking portraits, fantastical worlds, playful animals in sunglasses, thoughtful reflections on global issues, and moments of pure joy. The diversity of themes reminded me of a beautiful truth that Yen’s Art Studio expresses so well:
“In the world of art, there are no boundaries of age or race. Children’s artwork can reach—and sometimes surpass—the technical ability and creative understanding typically associated with adults.”

One piece that stayed with me was a self-portrait by 8th-grade student Cynthia Liu. It stood out not only for its technical sensitivity, but for its emotional depth. Cynthia is known for her perfectionist nature, something many of us—artists or not—can relate to. Her work quietly reflects a universal truth: no artwork is ever truly finished. Without a clear endpoint, a piece can be revised endlessly, sometimes at the cost of the original vision.

Self-Portrait by Cynthia Liu, 8th grade Yen’s Art Studio

Hanni from Newjeans by Sophie Sun, 9th grade. Yen’s Art Studio

Another story that deeply touched me was Sophie’s. Once a shy student who nearly gave up on art altogether, she found her way back through the creative process at the studio. Through painting, Sophie rediscovered calmness, confidence, and inner strength—one of the most meaningful transformations I learned about in this exhibition. Her journey reflects the studio’s commitment not only to technical excellence, but to nurturing the inner lives of its students.

Lovers by Nova Cui, 9th grade Yen’s Art Studio

Among the more than 150 works, one painting stood out to me for its quiet presence rather than immediate visual impact. Created by Nova, a student dedicated to becoming a professional ballet dancer, the piece carries a sense of discipline, restraint, and inner resolve. Acknowledging the intensity of her dance training, her art education focused less on technical display and more on observation, sensitivity, and emotional understanding.

Her painting reveals genuine emotion and determination, qualities she will undoubtedly carry into her future as a dancer, where movement and art meet as a shared language of expression.

Be Your Own Spotlight is ultimately not just about showcasing talent. It is about honoring courage—especially the quiet kind. It reminds us that every young artist is learning not only how to create, but how to believe in themselves. And as viewers, we are fortunate to witness these moments of bravery, growth, and becoming.

Don’t miss the museum’s permanent exhibition, where world-class artworks offer far more than visual beauty. Here, art becomes a quiet refuge—inviting tranquility, reflection, and a subtle elevation of the spirit. Especially moving are the paintings by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, whose works gently awaken the mind, soothe the heart, and leave the soul deeply inspired long after you depart.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/01/be-your-own-spotlight-seeing-courage-growth-and-quiet-brilliance-through-young-eyes/

 

A Ten-Day Grand Dharma Assembly in Las Vegas

linda changLeave a comment

Listening Reverently to the Supreme Dharma Discourse and Celebrating the Holy Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha

From January 4 to January 13, the Las Vegas Charity Temple solemnly hosted a ten-day “Grand Prayer Dharma Assembly for Reverently Listening to the Dharma Discourse of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and Celebrating the Sacred Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha.”

The assembly respectfully invited Venerable Shih Zhèng Dá, Vice Chairman of the World Buddhism Headquarters, to preside over the ceremonies. Under his compassionate guidance, participants reverently listened to the Dharma Discourse of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and took part in a series of profound and auspicious events, including:

  • The Prayer Dharma Assembly in Celebration of Namo Amitabha Buddha’s Birthday
  • The Great Compassion Avalokiteshvara Blessing Dharma Assembly
  • The Universal Deliverance and Requiem Dharma Assembly for the Deceased
  • A One-Day Chan (Zen) Retreat
  • Group cultivation of the Vajra Yoga Perfected Practice
  • Acts of compassion such as life release, charitable donations, and aid for the poor

High-ranking monastics, rinpoches, respected community leaders, and devoted lay practitioners from across the United States, Canada, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other regions gathered to participate in this rare and殊勝 (supremely auspicious) event.

The Vast Resonance of the Buddha’s Voice, Blessing All Beings

At 9:00 a.m. on January 4, the Dharma Assembly for Reverently Listening to the Supreme Dharma Discourse of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III officially commenced.

At the center of the mandala in the Grand Hall stood the sacred text “Explaining the Ultimate Truth through the Heart Sutra”, expounded by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. The altar was adorned with fresh flowers, the Eight Auspicious Offerings, colorful banners, incense, and lamps—radiating solemnity and auspiciousness.

Led by Venerable Zhèng Dá, dozens of monastics, rinpoches, and over a hundred distinguished guests and devotees respectfully welcomed the Buddha’s Dharma Discourse into the hall. Reverently listening to the Dharma Discourse of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III formed the spiritual heart of the entire ten-day assembly and was complemented by in-depth study of the Collected Canon of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Venerable Zhèng Dá emphasized that true cultivation must follow the Buddha’s teachings through listening, contemplating, and practicing, integrating the Dharma into every detail of daily life. He encouraged participants to unite practice and understanding, allowing wisdom to arise naturally through consistent application.

After listening to the Buddha’s Dharma Discourse, many participants shared profound insights and transformative experiences. With sincere vows, they resolved to practice according to the Buddha’s teachings—
refraining from all evil, practicing all good, and benefiting all beings—
while jointly praying for world peace, national harmony, favorable weather, and the health and happiness of all sentient beings, so that wisdom and blessings may increase together.

Cultivating Body, Speech, and Mind—Receiving Great Benefit

During the assembly, Venerable Zhèng Dá also led group cultivation of the Vajra Yoga Perfected Practice and presided over the Great Compassion Avalokiteshvara Blessing Dharma Assembly. Many participants felt profound responses, sensing the compassionate presence of Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva at the mandala. Some experienced relief from illness, inner peace, and extraordinary joy.

The One-Day Chan Retreat was guided according to the Great Chan Meditation Practice transmitted by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. After completing ten meditation sessions, many participants reported physical healing, improved energy flow, enhanced concentration, and deep mental clarity. Some even experienced sacred meditative states without attachment, while the entire assembly was filled with the joy of Chan and Dharma bliss.

On January 13, as the Dharma listening sessions reached completion, participants engaged in a closing Dharma debate. The fourfold assembly divided into two groups, formulating questions and arguments based on Buddhist logic and authentic Dharma principles. Through reasoned discussion and lively exchange, participants demonstrated how daily cultivation leads to flexible understanding, deep insight, and genuine realization.

Releasing Life, Protecting Life—Dedicating All Merit Universally

This ten-day New Year Grand Prayer Dharma Assembly concluded in perfect auspiciousness. Acts of compassion—including life release and charitable donations to disaster-stricken areas—were carried out in succession, bringing the event to a wholesome and complete close.

Though more than ten days of intensive Dharma listening and group cultivation seemed to pass in an instant, the joy of the Dharma lingered in every heart. Participants made renewed vows to cultivate diligently, uphold the Buddha’s teachings, and bring benefit and happiness to all beings.

May the true Dharma of the Buddha spread throughout the world,
may sentient beings enjoy long life and increasing blessings,
may the winds and rains come in harmony, harvests be abundant,
may nations prosper, and
may lasting world peace prevail.

(This post is translated and adapted from a news report on 2026/01/15, originally published by the Las Vegas Chinese News Network. Translation by Linda Chang. For the original Chinese article, please see here.)

Source：Photos from Las Vegas Chinese News Network https://www.lvcnn.com/news.php?id=53597

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/23/a-ten-day-grand-dharma-assembly-in-las-vegas/