Most religions have moral and ethical rules and commandments. Buddhism has Precepts, but it’s important to understand that the Buddhist Precepts are not a list of rules to follow.
In some religions, moral laws are believed to have come from God, and breaking those laws is a sin or transgression against God. But Buddhism doesn’t have a God, and the Precepts are not commandments. However, that doesn’t exactly mean they’re optional, either.
The Pali word most often translated as “morality” is sila, but sila has many connotations that go beyond the English word “morality.” It can refer to inner virtue such as kindness and truthfulness as well as the activity of those virtues in the world. It can also refer to the discipline of acting in a moral way. However, sila is best understood as a kind of harmony.
Being in Harmony
The Theravadin teacher Bikkhu Bodhi wrote,
“The Buddhist texts explain that sila has the characteristic of harmonizing our actions of body and speech. Sila harmonizes our actions by bringing them into accord with our own true interests, with the well-being of others, and with universal laws. Actions contrary to sila lead to a state of self-division marked by guilt, anxiety, and remorse. But the observance of the principles of sila heals this division, bringing our inner faculties together into a balanced and centered state of unity.” (“Going for Refuge and Taking the Precepts “)
It is said that the Precepts describe the way an enlightened being naturally lives. At the same time, the discipline of upholding the Precepts is part of the path to enlightenment. As we begin to work with the Precepts we find ourselves “breaking” or defiling them over and over. We can think of this as something like falling off a bicycle, and we can either beat ourselves up about falling—which is disharmonious—or we can get back on the bicycle and start pedaling again.
The Zen teacher Chozen Bays said, “We just keep on working, we are patient with ourselves, and on and on it goes. Little by little our life comes more into alignment with the wisdom that gives rise to the precepts. As our minds get clearer and clearer, it’s not even a matter of breaking or maintaining the precepts; automatically they are maintained.”
The Five Precepts
Buddhists don’t have just one set of Precepts. Depending on which list you consult, you might hear there are three, five, ten, or sixteen Precepts. Monastic orders have longer lists.
The most basic list of Precepts is called in Pali the pañcasila, or “five precepts.” In Theravada Buddhism, these Five Precepts are the basic precepts for lay Buddhists.
A more literal translation from the Pali for each of these would be “I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from [killing, stealing, misusing sex, lying, abusing intoxicants].” It’s important to understand that in maintaining the Precepts one is training oneself to behave as a buddha would behave. It’s not just a matter of following or not following rules.
The Ten Grand Precepts
Mahayana Buddhists generally follow a list of Ten Precepts that are found in a Mahayana Sutra called the Brahmajala or Brahma Net Sutra (not to be confused with a Pali sutra of the same name):
Some Mahayana Buddhists also vow to uphold the Three Pure Precepts, which are associated with walking the path of a bodhisattva. These are:
To do no evil
To do good
To save all beings
The Pali words usually translated as “good” and “evil” are kusala and akusala. These words can also be translated “skillful” and “unskillful,” which takes us back to the idea of training. Very basically, “skillful” action takes oneself and others closer to enlightenment, and “unskillful” action leads away from enlightenment.
To “save all beings” is the bodhisattva’s vow to bring all beings to enlightenment.
The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
You will sometimes hear of the Bodhisatva Precepts or the Sixteen Bodhisattva Vows. Most of the time, this refers to the Ten Grand Precepts and Three Pure Precepts, plus the Three Refuges:
I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha.
The Eightfold Path
To fully understand how the Precepts are part of the Buddhist path, begin with the Four Noble Truths. The Fourth Truth is that liberation is possible through the Eightfold Path. The Precepts are connected to the “ethical conduct” part of the Path—Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.
Listening to your body can be something as simple as going to bed when you are tired, stop eating before you are overstuffed, or releasing a yoga posture when you’ve gone beyond your edge. It can also involve more serious things, like preventing your stress levels from exploding into chest pain by saying no, averting an acute pain situation or chronic disease by knowing when to slow down, and respond to pain or discomfort in your body.
For me, theessence of yoga is about listening to your body, mind and emotions and honouring where they are at, because this changes from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. This listening may involve noticing how your body feels in a particular pose-are your muscles tight, are you feeling a sense of release? How is your breath-do you notice times when you are holding it or breathing faster than you should? How are your emotions-what’s coming up for you; sadness, anger, impatience, or boredom?
I learn so much about myself while on my yoga mat. Through stillness, movement and breath, I have increased awareness of where I’m holding muscle tension and how my nervous system is doing. This mindfulness helps me move through negative emotions, practice self-compassion and often find sweetness underneath the negativity.
Our body and emotions are always communicating, and sometimes it’s very subtle, and unfortunately, we often ignore it. This has happened to me twice in the last year, and honestly, I should have known better. In the spring, during the first lockdown – (what # are we at now?) I continued with my weight workout because my gym was closed. I used light weights and after a few weeks felt they were too light and increased the amount. I started to notice an occasional throbbing pain in my left triceps. I ignored this and continued to ignore it, not making the connection that the heavier weights were taxing my muscles. One night I was awoken by the most excruciating pain, exactly where I felt the original throbbing pain, and it was radiating up to my neck and down to my wrist. Luckily, I was able to see my physiotherapist and chiropractor for treatment, and they felt the pain was connected to an aggravated radial nerve. My doctor prescribed me an anti-inflammatory, and I felt better after the first treatment; however, it took several months until I fully recovered.
You think this would have been a massive wake up call for me to pay attention to subtle changes in my body-the whispers. Nope. Since the recent lockdown, state of emergency, whatever we’re at these days, I committed to going for a long walk or hike every single day because my spirit needed this connection to nature. After a few longer hikes of 2-3 hours through a local conservation area, I noticed a pain in my right glute. It wasn’t severe pain and didn’t last long, so it was easy to brush off. However, it did happen at least 4-5 times, and I completely ignored it, and just over a week ago, I paid for this BIG TIME!!!!
After an active day on January 15th, I noticed a pain in my right hip flexor, went to bed, but didn’t stay long because the pain became too intense. By Saturday afternoon the pain had increased with a vengeance, and I didn’t sleep on Saturday night and woke my husband up at 3 am on Sunday informing him that he had to take me to emergency because I was in that much pain. At the ER they ruled out a few things and thought that diagnosis was piriformis syndrome-irritation of the piriformis muscle. They suggested rest, anti-inflammatories, extra-strength Tylenol and physiotherapy to get back on track. The pain wasn’t being managed, and on Tuesday morning, I had to go to the ER once again because the pain became so severe that I couldn’t walk. This time they focused on pain management and gave me morphine via IV and a script. The pain subsided, and I was able to walk and go home.
By this time, I hadn’t slept for 4 nights and saw my physiotherapist for the first time. He performed a full assessment and didn’t think I had piriformis syndrome and felt that my joint and muscles were functioning well. He thought that I might have overdone it with my hikes and aggravated some muscles and nerves.
I continued with the pain management meds and physiotherapy, and last Saturday afternoon, I noticed that the pain had left entirely. I haven’t had any pain since and still have no idea what caused it, but have some ideas. I believe that my enthusiastic hikes irritated the muscles and nerves in my right hip, and I had plenty of warning that something was up.
I’m so grateful to be pain-free and have the most profound compassion and empathy for anyone dealing with chronic pain. I honestly don’t know how anyone deals with it.
I don’t want to go through something like this again, and I’ve learned my lesson about the importance of listening to my body, not just on my yoga mat, but always.
Our body, breath and emotions are always communicating to us and sending us messages. They usually start as little whispers, and if you don’t pay attention, your body will yell at you loud and clear and force you to listen.
Off the yoga mat, it’s essential to take time throughout your day to slow down, be still and tune in. How does your body feel? Do an emotional check-in. Honour your body, and give it the attention and nurturing that it deserves. Trust your body, its’ wisdom and healing abilities.
The moment I heard that I would be going with Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui to Los Angeles, unspeakable joy arose in my heart. On the way to Los Angeles, a rainbow suddenly emerged from the drizzling sky, emitting beautiful lights of various colors. A white celestial crane seen in the distance flew near and landed at the side of the freeway gazing at us, as if paying us respect. All of these signs expressed auspicious blessings. I strongly sensed that what I had wished for so long was about to come true.
A notice arrived in the afternoon of December 28th. From Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui’s somewhat tense facial expression, I could tell this must be the time for me to pay my respects and visit the Buddha Master. Just as expected, when we stepped into the mandala, I saw H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata sitting upright on the dharma platform. His Holiness appeared so dignified and had an expression of loving-kindness. As I sincerely prostrated myself to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, all I heard was the cordial voice of His Holiness telling everyone to come sit toward the front. I sat beside Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui. Dharma Teacher Jue Hui and Dharma Teacher Ruo Hui also sat with us.
Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui reported to the Buddha Master regarding the Buddhist chanting work that had taken place at Hua Zang Si over the past two months. Next, the Buddha Master called my name: “Fa Hai, proceed with what you want to say.” Without knowing why, my mind went totally blank. I felt that my entire body was soaking in a kind of freshness. I remained kneeling with a very straight back, as if I had entered a state of meditation. At this time, I only heard the Buddha Master say, “It is all right. Just speak directly!” Yet, I still could not speak and was silent for another eight or nine minutes. I could sense that the Buddha Master was patiently waiting. Finally, a sound floated out of my mouth: “My karmic affinity with the Buddha Master should have begun ten years ago. Because I could not come to America, I was not able to visit His Holiness. I finally got a visa last year. Only this year did I have the opportunity to visit Hua Zang Si, where I respectfully listened to recorded dharma teachings of the Buddha Master. For more than one straight month, I have listened to the recorded dharma discourses without the slightest sense of tiredness.
This has been the most beneficial and rewarding time of my entire life. The beneficial effects I have experienced can never be expressed in words. I bring my body, speech, and mind to respectfully visit the Buddha Master at this time. Today, I would like to specially request a great dharma from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I would not hesitate to leap into boiling water or walk on fire in order to obtain this great dharma. I am willing to undergo any test in order to obtain such dharma. I am even willing to sacrifice my own life. It might sound like I am exaggerating, but I truly can do such things.”
Perhaps because I was too nervous or focused, I unexpectedly was not able to express exactly what I meant to say. However, I silently told myself that the Buddha Master definitely understands what I am trying to express and what dharma I am requesting. I still remember that I fasted for a full 21 days in the Philippines in order to obtain this great dharma. This is because I am very aware that in this world only H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III can accomplish this task and announce to the world this great dharma in order to demonstrate the brightness of Buddha and enable the correct dharma to exist in this world forever.
At first, the Buddha Master did not answer my request directly but gave us a profound and important discourse. Only afterward did I realize that this discourse was actually the beginning of His Holiness’s response to my question. His Holiness specifically pointed out the various kinds of confusion and mistakes that have appeared within Buddhism in this current Dharma Ending Age. Some Buddhist sutras contain serious mistakes. What is even more serious is that there are some so-called eminent monks and great virtuous beings who, due to their erroneous understanding and views, seriously misguide others when giving discourses on the dharma. What is even sadder is that believers who do not understand the truth still fanatically follow them and prostrate to them in worship. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III does all He can to correct these heretical ideas and views. However, being limited by the karma of living beings, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III feels that it is very difficult to change the current situation despite His wish to do so. The Buddha Master gave some examples of these heretical ways within both esoteric Buddhism and exoteric Buddhism. These very worrisome examples left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
After finishing the discourse, the Buddha Master said to me directly, “Fa Hai, you did not say what great dharma you want to request. Let me say it for you. The dharma you want to request is to film a movie of the Buddha. There really is no one else besides me who can do this because I completely understand the teachings of the Buddha. I can write the script. This movie must be filmed. The only thing is that the karmic conditions this year are not quite mature enough because the script needs to be written and actors need to be found, especially actors who are qualified. As for funding, as long as there is a script, there will be people who will sponsor and invest. Besides, the movie of the Buddha will not be filmed as one undivided whole but will be divided into a series of 100 parts or episodes. Perhaps this is really the right channel. After all, the influence of a book is limited as it reaches fewer people than a movie, which has much more of an international impact. In addition, when we do this, many problems might be solved. We might even be able to build several temples this way!” At this moment, I understood that the discourse just given by H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata on the current chaotic situation within Buddhism illustrated that it is impossible for anyone else to write in a script the authentic doctrines of the Buddha.
Listening to this point, I was really shocked in my heart. I used to pay respect and visit many eminent monks and great virtuous beings. I requested from them great dharma. None of them knew what this great dharma in my mind was that I wanted to request. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is truly magnificent. I did not reveal in the slightest what great dharma I wanted to request. Nonetheless, what His Holiness stated was the exact great dharma in my mind that I wanted to request.
His Holiness then said, “Fa Hai, when you come back from mainland China, I will transmit to you dharma according to the formal rituals of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. You still have some negative karma. At that time, I will perform an initiation for you and eliminate your karmic hindrances. You will see.” I was totally engulfed in the joy of the dharma. The Buddha Master further said, “On your way here, the rainbow and the celestial crane you saw augured that your future undertakings will be bright. However, behind the brightness lurks darkness, and there are twists and turns on the path. We will soon face some attacks and slander, although those who commit the slander will all end up losing. When A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma is published, no force can obstruct or destroy us because what is in that book are facts.” The Buddha Master finished by saying, “The movie of the Buddha definitely has to be filmed. You see, Fa Hai, your wishes have all been fulfilled. How fortunate you are!”
Actually, there are no words that can express my happiness. There are also no words that can express my gratitude toward H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
I only want to respectfully offer to the Dorje Chang Buddha III my most beautiful spirit, my most beautiful melody, my most beautiful singing voice, and my best wishes. May all those who hear this beautiful melody and singing voice be happy.
I would like to express my special thanks to an anonymous person who ten years ago sent me an express mail package in which a yellow silk scarf was wrapped around the book The Fruits of Pious Devotion and CD’s that had a picture of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III on their covers. It is because of this present that seeds planted ten years ago have borne fruit in the form of my taking refuge in the His Holiness as my Buddha Master and in the form of my witnessing the magnificence of the Buddha-dharma.
Everything I described above is true. I am a Buddhist nun. I accept the karmic responsibility for my words. If what I have stated is false, I will descend into the Vajra Hell. If what I have stated is true, I would like to dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings in the dharma realm so that they will soon realize enlightenment.
Respectfully written by disciple Fa Hai Shi December 30, 2006
The above account was written by Fa Hai Shi. We three humble Buddhist nuns provide the following testimonials.
Encountering an Unusual Occurrence
Basically, whenever people pay their respects and visit H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata, they make good use of their short meeting time by posing prepared questions or by requesting the transmission of dharma. Some groups have really made the best use of their time by requesting answers to problems that have arisen.
From left to right: Ruo Hui Shih, Long Hui Shih, and Jue Hui Shih
However, there was one particular occasion in the afternoon of December 28, 2006 when a dharma teacher from the Philippines, Fa Hai, came to the mandala from thousands of miles away. This was the first time she was granted an audience with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. When H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked her what question she had, I saw that Buddhist nun take a deep breath. She then unexpectedly remained silent as she stared at the Buddha Master with open eyes, sometimes lowering her head. Perhaps all of this was due to nervousness or other factors. At this time, the Buddha Master also did not speak. Seconds and then minutes passed by in silence. Then, that dharma teacher sighed once more and straightened her back, still looking at the Great Dharma King without uttering a sound. Strangely, Dorje Chang Buddha III also remained silent. A moment later, she sighed for the third time but still did not reply to the Buddha Master. The duration of this silence lasted more than eight minutes. This kind of situation had never happened before.
Finally, the dharma teacher spoke. She said she had come with a wish to request a great dharma. If her wish to obtain this great dharma were fulfilled, she said she would dedicate her life to the Buddha-dharma and living beings, even if it meant sacrificing her life. After uttering such words, she again fell into silence without mentioning what dharma she wished to request.
At this time, Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “Do not say anymore. I will give you a discourse.” The Buddha Master pointed out what request was in the mind of this Buddhist nun. That discourse not only enabled us disciples who were there to once again witness the supernatural powers of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, it also enabled us to understand precious dharma principles.
Because I took Dharma Teacher Fa Hai to pay her respects to H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata, I was there and personally witnessed everything that happened. Everything I described above is true. If what I have stated above contains false words, may I never become accomplished in the dharma. If what I have stated above is true, I dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may soon hear the correct dharma and soon attain liberation and accomplishment.
Buddhist disciple Long Hui Shih
I was present at the time. I hereby confirm that what is stated above is true. If what is stated above is false, I am willing to descend into hell and experience negative karmic retribution. If everything stated above is true, I dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may soon hear the correct dharma and soon realize enlightenment.
Buddhist disciple, Jue Hui Shih
Everything stated above is true. If what is stated above contains false words, I will not become accomplished in the dharma and will become impoverished and miserable. If what is stated above is true, I wish to dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may always see Buddha and attain liberation.
Buddhist disciple, Ruo Hui Shih
(This is a complete translation of the Chinese text that follows originally written and signed by Fa Hai Shih, Long Hui Shih, Jue Hui Shih, and Ruo Hui Shih.)
Shakyamuni Buddha at Benevolence Temple, Las Vegas, Nevada.
On November 13 and 14, The Benevolence and Pure Cultivation Temples in Las Vegas, Nevada conducted a special Zen Meditation Retreat for English (and Chinese) speakers that taught, demonstrated, and finally allowed all who attended to participate in their form of meditation. This Ru Lai Zheng Fa (Tathagata True Dharma) method features the Great Dharma of Zen Practice by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and the traditional methods followed in ancient China that combined fast walking or moving meditation with silent sitting meditation. Although His Holiness transmitted three mantras that enhance the experience, alternatives are also provided for anyone wishing to participate who has not received them.
Kuan Yin Bodhisattva shrine at the Benevolence Temple.
The first day gave us a tour of the beautiful hidden Benevolence Temple and the experience of what it took for the monastics and lay people of that temple and their companion Pure Cultivation Temple to transform their central Grand Buddha Hall into a Meditation Hall. They would normally do their meditation in a private smaller hall, but this space was created to accommodate the 43 who attended the actual retreat. The afternoon consisted of training for the experience, which we all enjoyed the following day. The second day was the actual Meditation Retreat. It consisted of ten sessions—five fast walking or moving and five sitting sessions. It also included a delicious breakfast, lunch, and evening meal in the nun’s dining hall plus snacks during the morning and afternoon sessions in the Meditation Hall. Everything was conducted in silence except for the bells, gongs, and instructions from Venerable Fa Chao, the abbot of the Pure Cultivation Temple who led the event, and an occasional crack of the cudgel to start each moving session and monitor the sitting sessions.
Grand Buddha Hall at the Benevolence Temple before converting it into a Meditation Hall for the retreat.
Removing desks and benches at Benevolence Temple to create Meditation Hall.
Constructing a new altar for the Meditation Retreat at Benevolence Temple.
Waiting for sitting meditation instruction at Benevolence Temple.
In recent years, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the pace of our modern world. Everywhere we look, technology advances with breathtaking speed—AI systems that learn in seconds, devices that connect continents instantly, and scientific breakthroughs that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.
And yet, despite all this progress, people still feel anxious, divided, and spiritually adrift. It was during one of these reflections that I came across a profound message from French philosopher Henri Bergson, winner of the 1927 Nobel Prize in Literature. His words, spoken nearly a century ago, resonated deeply with me:
“An increase in the material means at the disposal of humanity may even present dangers unless it is accompanied by a corresponding spiritual effort.”
This single sentence contains a timeless truth.
The Wisdom of Henri Bergson: Progress Requires Balance
When Bergson delivered his Nobel Prize banquet speech in 1928, he had witnessed the sweeping transformations brought by steam power, electricity, and industrialization. Many believed that these innovations would naturally lead to a better, more harmonious world.
But Bergson saw with clarity that outer progress alone is not enough. Without cultivating our inner world—our morality, our compassion, our spiritual understanding—technology can deepen misunderstandings and widen divisions.
How true this remains today.
The Modern Paradox: Hyper-Connection, Inner Disconnection
We live in a time of extraordinary access and convenience:
We can video chat across the planet, yet many feel more isolated than ever.
We scroll endlessly through social media, yet our hearts grow restless and overwhelmed.
We generate more data in a day than ancient civilizations produced in centuries, yet wisdom feels increasingly rare.
Technology connects our devices, but only spiritual cultivation connects our hearts.
Why Spiritual Effort Is Essential Today
1. It grounds us amid the noise.
With information constantly flooding our minds, spiritual practice helps us regain clarity and stay anchored in truth.
2. It builds our inner resilience.
Life will always bring challenges. Meditation, reflection, and ethical living strengthen the mind and heart to navigate them with wisdom.
3. It cultivates compassion in a divided world.
True peace comes not from advanced systems but from understanding, patience, and kindness—qualities only nurtured through spiritual effort.
4. It reminds us of our shared purpose.
Spiritual insight dissolves boundaries, allowing us to see one another not as competitors but as fellow travelers on the path of life.
Bergson’s warning pierces straight into the heart of our time:
If humanity’s material power grows faster than its moral and spiritual maturity, danger follows. But when the two rise together, society finds harmony.
This is not just a philosophical idea—it is a blueprint for a peaceful, sustainable future. Whether through meditation, prayer, study, service, or simple acts of kindness, each of us has the power to elevate our inner life.
Our modern world celebrates speed, innovation, and efficiency. But the deeper question is: Do these advances help us become better human beings?
If spiritual cultivation becomes the guiding compass of our progress, then technology becomes a tool for upliftment rather than turmoil.
As we look toward the future, may we remember:
Our machines may evolve, but our hearts must evolve too.
Our knowledge may expand, but our wisdom must deepen.
Our world may grow louder, but our inner clarity must grow stronger.
Only then can humanity advance not just outwardly, but inwardly—toward peace, wisdom, and true connection.
Every Buddhist practitioner longs for achievement and liberation. Hearing the true Buddha-Dharma is the key. The following article is a genuine account written by a monastic bhikshu Huihai (慧海) who personally listened to the Dharma teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In this life, I am able to encounter my supreme and unsurpassable Buddha Master—this truly is the greatest blessing I have accumulated through many lives and countless eons!
The Buddha Master’s genuine and pure teachings, in the turbulent waves of today’s chaotic era, are the vessel that carries sentient beings to the shore of liberation. The Buddha Master’s profound and skillful instructions transcend religion, directly point to mind-transmission, accord with conditions and the Dharma-realm, and enlighten sentient beings to step onto the path of awakening.
As a disciple, whenever I am in the presence of the Buddha Master, my heart always feels immeasurably moved, deeply experiencing the holiness and greatness of the Buddha’s virtue
I remember it was in early September of 2005 that I had an audience with the Buddha Master. The Buddha Master said: “In the history of Tibet and the Han region, there were many practitioners who cultivated many Dharma methods, yet achieved very little in their entire lifetime. Only in their old age did they realize that they had seldom listened to true Dharma, which caused them not to understand the Buddha-principles, and thus they walked a deviated path.
Most of the ancestral masters through generations, most of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the past, attained great accomplishment precisely because they listened to Dharma. Therefore, listening to Dharma is extremely important. Now, in this degenerate era, there is truly far too much false Dharma. You must listen to Dharma more, listen more to the Dharma I teach. Only by clearly understanding the Dharma sounds, learning the true Buddha-Dharma, and deeply applying it in actual practice, can the problem of birth and death be resolved. This is the most important, most important thing!”
I knelt and prostrated to the Buddha Master and said: “Your disciple is very grateful for the Buddha Master’s teachings, and I hope all sentient beings may hear and receive the Buddha’s Dharma sound and learn the true Buddha-Dharma.”
The Buddha Master sat for a moment and then went into the room. Several senior brothers and sisters happened to come out, each with joyful expressions on their faces. I asked them curiously: “I see all of you beaming with smiles—what joyful thing has happened?”
One senior brother said: “We just respectfully listened to a recording of a most supreme Dharma-sound.”
I said: “No wonder you are filled with Dharma joy. May I listen to this Dharma-sound recording?” The senior brother said: “This is a rarely accessible Dharma-sound. Permission must be requested before you can listen.”
At that moment, the Buddha Master came out from the room. I quickly reported: “I request Buddha Master’s permission—may I listen to that Dharma-sound recording?”
The Buddha Master smiled and said to me: “Of course you may. You certainly may listen. If even you, a monastic, cannot listen, then who else could?” I joyfully placed my palms together and prostrated to my kind Master, saying: “Thank you, Buddha Master.”
I went to the altar to pay respect to the Buddha, offered a khata and offerings, performed the pre-Dharma-listening rituals, and began to attentively and reverently listen to the Dharma. The Dharma-teaching that the Buddha Master expounded in the recording was unprecedented—unmatched in its sublimity.
Upon hearing this Dharma, I received tremendous blessing power; suddenly my obstructions opened, joy surged within me, like a spontaneous celestial empowerment pouring down, nectar filling me completely. The karmic forces of beginningless time all became like illusions. Such a supreme Dharma—how could it not be something that is difficult to encounter even in hundreds of thousands of eons?
What sentient beings find hard to see, I now see; what sentient beings have not heard, I have now heard. How could beings burdened by countless karmas possibly comprehend its wondrous principles? After leaving the altar, I saw the Buddha Master and immediately knelt down in gratitude.
I said excitedly: “Buddha Master! How could this merely be a teaching or a Dharma-sound? This is fundamentally a great Dharma—an unsurpassable great Dharma!”
The Buddha Master looked at me and smiled: “Excellent! You received the blessing of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and understood the Dharma I taught.”
I continued: “Buddha Master, this Dharma truly leaps directly and suddenly into the Tathāgata’s state! And truly, it requires no effort—you can attain it instantly.” The Buddha Master said: “Indeed so.”
I further said: “This Dharma is truly magnificent. Indeed, everyone can practice it, but ordinary people will not understand it and will only regard it as an ordinary teaching.”
The Buddha Master said: “This is even easier than realizing mind and seeing one’s nature. Even those who realize mind and see their nature may not attain this state.”
My Buddha Master—the Supreme Protector, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—expounds Dharma by observing sentient beings’ karmic conditions through the complete Buddha-wisdom. Every teaching is given for the liberation of Buddhist disciples and future beings. The Dharma principles revealed are tailored to each person’s capacity, deep yet simple. Though spoken casually, they unfailingly accord with the profound truths of the Buddhist Tripiṭaka and esoteric scriptures. Moreover, many penetrating and unique Dharma principles are not found in any sutras—they arise directly from the Buddha Master’s innate enlightened realization.
Since I drew close to the Buddha Master and respectfully listened to the Buddha Master’s Dharma-sounds, I have finally gained a complete understanding of the Tathāgata’s perfect and true teachings. The benefits I have received are far too many to express in words—far surpassing everything I had learned in Buddhism over the past decades.
Because Buddhist sutras have been transmitted in the world—especially after translation—they inevitably contain mistranslations or misinterpretations. Moreover, the classical literary language used in the scriptures is truly difficult for modern readers accustomed to vernacular style. The numerous technical terms in the sutras also pose a challenge for beginners entering the Buddhist path.
The Dharma-sounds taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are the authentic Tathāgata true Dharma, explained through modern language and analogies, expressing principles in accordance with intrinsic nature, unfolding the stages of realization, and enlightening the ignorant. Those who listen can easily learn pure Buddha-Dharma and establish correct understanding and correct views. Therefore, it is most suitable for every practitioner in today’s world to rely on and cultivate.
The Dharma-sounds spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are a bright lamp illuminating the path of cultivation. They are the supreme Dharma-treasure that enables sentient beings to become Arhats, enables Arhats to become Bodhisattvas, and enables Bodhisattvas to become Buddhas—to attain accomplishment, liberation, realization, and sainthood.
I often feel this: whenever the Buddha Master expounds Dharma with perfect, lion-like sound, the Dharma-voice flows throughout the boundless space; humans and non-humans all receive its benefit; the Dharma assembly at Vulture Peak seems as if it has never dispersed—
Before my eyes it is as if scenes from ancient times appear again: the Buddha teaching under the Bodhi tree, when Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas, monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, along with heavenly beings, nāgas, humans, and non-humans—countless multitudes—surrounded Him, making offerings, honoring, respecting, and praising. Heavenly mandārava flowers rained down, scattering over the Buddha and the assembly…
In this degenerate age, as a disciple of the Buddha, I feel fortunate to have this rare Dharma affinity, able to personally hear the Dharma before the Buddha and practice the true Dharma. I sincerely pray:
May the Dharma Wheel of the supreme and great H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III always turn, and may He abide in this world forever.
May all beings in the Dharma-realm hear the Dharma-sounds spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, increase in blessings and wisdom, forever leave all suffering and obtain happiness, and together realize Bodhi.
Disciple of the Buddha — Huihai
For the original Chinese speech, please click here. This English translation is by Linda Chang and is provided for reference only.
In the Tang Dynasty, there lived a monk named Jian Kong (Venerable “Mirror-of-Emptiness”), who in his previous life had been a diligent spiritual practitioner. Yet after reincarnating, he was born not as a monk, but as a poor scholar—one who, despite twenty long years of effort, could not pass the imperial examinations. He had no money, no connections, and often struggled even to find a simple meal. Hunger followed him like a shadow.
One day, after days of near-starvation, he set out toward a nearby temple, hoping to find something—anything—to eat. But halfway there, by the side of a river, his strength gave out completely. Weighed down by exhaustion and despair, he collapsed on the riverbank and began to cry. He was already around forty-five years old, and life felt unbearably harsh.
As he wept, a Brahmin monk suddenly appeared before him, radiant and calm.
“Venerable Dharma Master,” the monk said, “are you satisfied with the taste of wandering through worldly life?”
The scholar was startled. “Satisfied? It has been nothing but suffering! But I am a layman—why do you call me “Dharma Master”? That title doesn’t belong to me.”
The Brahmin monk smiled gently. “You are starving and confused now, so you’ve forgotten everything.”
He reached into his bag and took out a large, fist-sized date. “This is a special fruit from my homeland. Eat it. Then you’ll understand.”
The scholar ate the date. Sleepiness washed over him at once, and he lay down beside the river. When he awoke, something astonishing had occurred— his entire past life came flooding back.
He remembered that he, the Brahmin monk standing before him, and three others had all been fellow practitioners in their previous lives. Filled with emotion, he asked:
“What about Monk Zhen? How is he doing in this life?”
The Brahmin monk replied, “In his past life he had not yet cut off worldly attachments, nor had he achieved realization. In this life, he has become a monk again in Sichuan. He has now completely severed his desire for fame and fortune. He will attain accomplishment in this very life.”
The scholar asked about another of their five companions. “And Master Shen? What about him?” “His wishes remain unfulfilled,” the monk answered.
Then he asked about the third companion, Master Wu. The monk sighed gently: “You know him. In our past life, he once joked before a stone Buddha statue: ‘If I cannot attain supreme enlightenment, then at least let me become a mighty nobleman.’ Well, his vow has come true. Just yesterday, I heard he was appointed a general. He has completely forgotten he was once a monk.*”
Finally, the Brahmin monk turned to him and said:
“Among the five of us, I alone have attained liberation. And you—of all of us—you alone have fallen to such a state that you cannot even find enough food to fill your stomach.”
The scholar was bewildered. “In my past life,” he said, “for decades I ate only one meal a day and wore one tattered robe for over thirty years. I practiced diligently and lectured on the Dharma tirelessly. I was a well-known Dharma Master. How could my karma now be so miserable?”
The Brahmin monk answered with unmistakable compassion:
“Yes, you cultivated hard. But when you taught the Dharma, you often mixed in ideas from Daoist and other non-Buddhist teachings. This confused your listeners. You also held back special teachings out of stinginess, unwilling to share them openly. And although you kept the precepts, you broke them in many subtle ways. Given all this, your current life’s hardship is already a fortunate result.”
Hearing this, the scholar felt deep remorse and sadness. But instead of despair, a new resolve arose within him.
He vowed to renounce worldly life and become a monk once more.
Seeing his sincerity, the Brahmin monk took out a mystical mirror from his bag. In it, the scholar saw with clarity:
his own past lives,
the karmic results of all beings’ actions,
even the future rise and fall of the Dharma.
The mirror was said to be like the Seven-Jewel Trees of the Pure Land, which reveal the karmic truths of the universe with perfect brightness.
With this profound vision, his conviction became unshakable. He immediately entered monastic life, practiced with genuine diligence, and in time became a highly respected and accomplished master.
Recognitions and Congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
When over a hundred great Dharma Kings, Regents, and Rinpoches from various Buddhist traditions throughout the world lawfully recognized, in accordance with Buddhist precepts, that Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the reincarnation of the ancient Buddha, Buddhist disciples around the globe rejoiced in celebration. The descent of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III brings to the beings of this Dharma-ending age the correct and unerring True Dharma of the Tathagata that leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. How fortunate living beings are to personally hear the teachings of the Buddha — there is now hope for attaining enlightenment in this very lifetime!
Online Slander and Misunderstanding of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Holy State
However, some people on the internet refuse to face the legitimate recognitions, the holy realization, and the perfect mastery of theFive Vidyās and teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III with reason or correct understanding. Instead, they fabricate rumors, spread insults, slander, defamation, and false accusations — maliciously twisting facts, inventing lies, and making baseless claims. They use vulgar words, forge fake documents, false notices, and false statements, and even create distorted images and mocking content — doing everything they can to attack H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Through their own words and actions, they merely expose their ignorance and lack of virtue.
Some say, “A Buddha or Bodhisattva is realized through practice, not by ‘recognition.’” “Shakyamuni Buddha didn’t need a certificate of recognition.” But their purpose is clear — to stop more people from learning the true Buddha Dharma and attaining liberation!
So, does a Buddha need recognition when descending into the world?
A Practice for the Benefit of Sentient Beings.
A Buddha is one of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment and complete wisdom. The reason one is a Buddha lies in their realization and enlightenment — not because of any recognition by others. No matter how great a Dharma King, Regent, or Rinpoche may be, their level of realization is far inferior to that of a Buddha; thus, any recognition they offer to a Buddha would be, in essence, just a piece of paper of no value to the Buddha.
However, because sentient beings in this world often lack the wisdom to discern between true and false saints, between genuine Buddha Dharma and false teachings that imitate Buddhism, they may easily be misled by superficial appearances and deviant views. Therefore, for the benefit of sentient beings, by following the Buddhist tradition of formal recognition, those virtuous masters issued such recognitions that help people give rise to faith and thus be saved. This is an act of right knowledge and right view.
The Example of Master Padmasambhava and the Importance of Recognition
Master Padmasambhava
When Master Padmasambhava first went to Tibet to propagate the Dharma, he was not greeted with respectful welcoming crowds. Instead, the Tibetan people were terrified and shouted, “Quick! Drive out this sorcerer who performs strange magic without lineage transmission! Do not let him deceive us with his witchcraft!” They even lifted him up and threw him into a muddy pit. Later, Master Padmasambhava returned to India and asked two renowned masters to write letters of recognition. Only then did Buddhism begin to flourish in Tibet. In fact, those two masters later became Master Padmasambhava’s disciples.
Therefore, when Buddhas or Bodhisattvas reincarnate and manifest again in this world, undergoing recognition according to Buddhist rules is not for their own sake, but for the sake of helping sentient beings generate faith and thereby be liberated.
Indeed, the realization and attainment of a Buddha or Bodhisattva come from their own cultivation and enlightenment. The realization, virtue, and attainment of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are the manifestation of their supreme enlightenment. The pure and flawless conduct of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, His mastery of both exoteric and esoteric teachings, His perfect command of the Five Vidyās, and His countless acts of liberating sentient beings — all fully demonstrate the enlightenment and realization of a true Buddha!
Therefore, I sincerely advise those who slander: repent sincerely before the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or karmic retribution will not spare you! At the same time, I compassionately remind all who truly wish to learn and practice Buddhism: we live in the Dharma ending age, when confusion prevails, and the nature of the demonic offspring is to destroy the Dharma and obstruct sentient beings from learning the true path. Kind-hearted beings, please open your eyes of wisdom, discern the true from the false, and do not be deceived by demonic forces — lest you miss the supreme Dharma opportunity that can bring you liberation from birth and death in this very lifetime!
Photo Courtesy: Hua Zang Si (Community members unite across California to honor the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha, transforming compassion into action through ceremonies, education, and charitable outreach.)
Buddhist communities across California came together on October 29 to honor “The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha,” a global observance dedicated to compassion, the protection of life, and the collective aspiration for peace.
On the morning of October 29, 2025, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum hosted a life release event at the Marina Del Rey harbor, drawing spiritual leaders and community members from across Southern California. The event was led by Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui, Abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple and Hongfa Temple.
Participants gathered in unity to chant praises and recite the Great Compassion Mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blessed the fish awaiting release with consecrated Dharma water, offering prayers that these sentient beings be freed from suffering and karmic obstructions. Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean with the hope that they would find safety and live free from harm and predators.
The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha originated on October 29, 2009, when H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III personally led His disciples in a life release ceremony following a significant Buddhist event. He compassionately declared this day as “Life Release Day” to promote the protection of life and the practice of compassion.
The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum upholds the compassionate teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The museum urges all sectors of society to transform empathy into action—promoting the safeguarding of life, the cessation of killing, and the daily practices of kindness as a fundamental way of living. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui emphasized that life release practices are not confined to specific days or locations. Whenever a life is in danger, we are called to act—to return it to a suitable environment, to grant it freedom, and to relieve it from fear.
On October 29, 2025, San Francisco’s Hua Zang Si Temple also held a life release ceremony at San Rafael. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to recite the Heart Sutra and the Great Compassion Mantra before gently releasing fish back to their natural habitat. Organizers emphasized that life release is not only a spiritual practice, but also a call to awaken society’s compassion and deepen our care for the sentient beings.
Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blesses fish awaiting release with Dharma water during the Life Release Day ceremony at Marina Del Rey.
Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean.
To nurture compassion in the next generation, Hua Zang Si Temple held a Buddhist children’s story class on October 19. Through storytelling and interactive learning, the program guided young participants to understand the core values of “equality of all life” and “compassion without harm.” The initiative was warmly received by parents, who expressed deep appreciation for the temple’s commitment to meaningful and values-based education.
On October 26, Macang Monastery in San Francisco held a special “Life Release Day Blessing and Food Donation Ceremony” in honor of the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha. Following collective sutra recitation and prayers by both monastics and lay practitioners, the temple donated food supplies to unhoused individuals and low-income families—embodying the Buddhist spirit of compassion and service to those in need.
This year’s Life Release Day Designated by Buddha brought together Buddhist disciples and compassionate leaders from all walks of life through a range of activities—including life release ceremonies, prayer gatherings, educational outreach, and food donations. Participants were reminded that cultivation is not merely a slogan, but a continuous practice through every kind thought and virtuous deed.
This book by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was released in Chinese in 2014 but is not yet available in English. It is based on a series of very famous discourses given in China in 1992, using the text, meaning, and principles of the Heart Sutra to transmit Dharma. It clearly explains the relationships between mind, Buddha, and living beings. It tells everyone what the absolute truth of Buddha-dharma and liberation is. Several years ago, His Holiness told a number of Western disciples that this is the only book you need to read to understand emptiness and become enlightened. This text is for acquiring prajna or transcendental wisdom, although it also teaches the importance of cultivating character.
To stress how important this holy book is, we must remember that just before the Buddha left this world His Holiness told us that “. . . At all times, we must think about bringing auspiciousness, serenity, happiness, and peace to living beings and to the world, to the extent of giving our all and even our lives. I have already brought true Buddha Dharma to this world. Everyone who practices in accordance with The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation and Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra will surely attain liberation. That’s all. I wish all living beings happiness.”
Venerable Master Puguan’s Reflection After Listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra
Below is the heartfelt reflection of Venerable Master Puguan, the abbot of Kaihua Monastery on Mount Wuzhong—the first site of Southern Transmission Buddhism and the thirteenth-generation patriarch of Mount Emei—after listening to the Dharma discourses of Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Venerable Master Puguan said:
“No matter what words I use today, they cannot fully express the supreme joy and wonder in my heart. My most magnificent and compassionate Buddha Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo, once visited Mount Wuzhong in person. At that time, my junior Dharma brother, Dharma Master Guozhang, and I were on the third day of a Zen retreat with the four assemblies of disciples when suddenly the Dharma protector came and told me, ‘The greatest holy being has arrived! He is wearing white clothes. Quickly cancel the Chan session and lead everyone to greet Him with full ceremony!’
Dharma Master Guozhang also received the same message—that the highest Holy One had come. We immediately announced to all disciples that the Zen session was to be stopped, and we prepared the ceremonial welcome with drums and bells. Indeed, about ten minutes later, a group of dozens of people arrived at the foot of the mountain—it was my revered Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III).
When I supported my Master while walking toward the Bright Moon Pool, He gently took hold of my hand instead and said, ‘I am younger than you; you should not support me. It is I who should support you, the elder.’
At that moment, I felt deeply ashamed. How could a disciple ever deserve to be supported by his Master, the Great Dharma King?
Now, after listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, I finally realize that what my Master said back then was the very expression of ultimate truth! We practitioners must rely on our Master’s steadfast guidance, never letting go of His compassionate hand, until we are led to the pure Buddha-land of ultimate Nirvana. How could we ever imagine supporting our Master?
Having repeatedly listened to this Dharma discourse, I can only say that my Master has explained the very essence of all 600 volumes of the Prajnaparamita Sutras and the two essential provisions of precepts and practice. The Dharma He expounded is so profound that the deep will see its depth and the shallow will see its shallowness—it is wondrous beyond description, extraordinary within the ordinary. In truth, it is the supreme teaching of the ultimate truth since the beginning of time.
After listening to this unparalleled Dharma spoken by my Buddha Master, I was instantly and completely awakened—the bottom of the bucket had fallen out! Unfortunately, my age has deprived me of the condition to attain rainbow-body ascension, but I rejoice that I have realized the state of indestructible flesh body. After my parinirvana, this body can serve as evidence to the world that my Great Dharma King, my Buddha Master, is truly the Dharma King who unites all Buddhas of the ten directions.
When I think back on my earlier misunderstandings, I feel deeply ashamed. I once mistakenly believed that only Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism possessed the Great Dharma that enables enlightenment within one lifetime. Now that I have attained realization, I truly understand that the authentic Dharma of the Tathagata transcends all schools and sects.
In fact, the true Buddha Dharma is a wondrous treasure existing independently of any tradition. It is neither exclusive to nor absent from any particular school—because genuine Dharma is not governed by sects but by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas themselves. Wherever a Buddha or Bodhisattva manifests as a teacher, that school naturally possesses the Great Dharma.
When I recall my past cultivation at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, I can only remain speechless in humility. Today, immersed in the bliss of Dharma joy, I can only pray:
May all Buddhas bless that the great karmic conditions of the Tathagata ripen soon. May all sentient beings swiftly hear the teachings of my Buddha Master—the Mother of All Buddhas’ Dharmas, Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra— so that their blessings and wisdom may swiftly and perfectly flourish, attaining Bodhi and liberation in this very life, and achieving freedom from life and death!
Namo Amitabha Buddha! Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva!
Note: In 1998, Master Pu Guan passed away while in meditation, having attained mastery over his life and death. Remarkably, even eight years after his passing, his remains rest within a stupa, preserved in the meditation posture without any signs of decay.
The above is the English translation of Venerable Master Pu Guan’s Dharma discourse, rendered into English by Linda Chang. The original Chinese version is provided below.
