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 following 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.
What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of Yoga?
It’s not uncommon for this image to consist of individuals contorting their bodies into impossible positions that are more appropriate for the Cirque du Soleil. There is nothing wrong with some of these breathtaking images, and I love looking at them because I’m in awe of the strength, grace, practice, and determination it takes to hold these postures. My issue with these images flooding social media is that these postures are not possible for most individuals (including me) and the models are usually young, white, beautiful, slim women. This makes it hard to connect to Yoga’s rich Indian history or how it is a practice that is for EVERYONE regardless of age, body type or ability.
In the last few decades, Yoga has become a billion-dollar business. When I started attending yoga studios in Toronto in the early 1990s, there were only 2 studios, and now there is a studio every 3 blocks. There are “yoga teacher rock stars” and businesses that make high-end yoga gear. I’m glad that Yoga has become so popular because this beautiful healing practice impacts more people. However, I believe this commercialism and competitiveness have diluted the teachings and appropriates this ancient practice in some situations.
There is evidence that Yoga existed in India as far back as 500 BC with roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and other religions. Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism, classical Hindu philosophy, and other historical religious texts. The word ‘Yoga‘ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite-union of mind, body and spirit.
As a yoga teacher and student, I want my students to be familiar with Yoga’s roots and understand that what happens on the mat is more than just stretching and holding postures. This union of mind, body and spirit, happens while practicing the asanas-Sanskrit word for postures. A regular practice will increase flexibility, strength and mobility, and while you are holding the postures, you are practicing pranayama-breath control, meditation, and mindfulness. This holistic practice is how transformation happens and the “union” builds a healthier, more agile body, calms the nervous system, teaches presence, and provides us with tools that we can use off the mat.
Yoga has a rich philosophical history that includes sacred and treasured texts: The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita and Pantanjali’s Sutras.
Pantanjali was an Indian sage and thought to be the author of the Yoga Sutras, which is a classical yoga text on yoga theory and practice. According to his teachings, there are 8 components to Yoga:
1. Yamas-attitudes towards environments.
2. Niyamas-attitude towards ourselves
3. Asana-yoga postures
4. Pranayama-breath control and breathing exercises
5. Pratyahar-withdrawal of senses
6. Dharana-concentration
7. Dhyana-meditation
8. Samadi-complete integration
One of the most compelling benefits of Yoga is stress reduction. It’s inspiring to see how it has helped individuals recover from trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Enjoy the stretching and postures, and know that you are also calming your mind and relaxing your body. Instead of thinking of Yoga as work out, think of it as a work in.
On the evening of May 31, 2013, an ordinary family outing turned into a life-changing experience that revealed to me the power of karma, faith, and divine protection.
That spring, my two daughters had just returned home from their colleges on the East Coast for summer vacation. We were all joyful to be reunited as a family. After dinner that evening, my husband, Yiao-Tee, and our daughters decided to take a short walk to the nearby Walmart in Pleasanton, California, to buy a watch battery.
It was around 9 p.m. when we stepped out of the store. My husband and daughters walked a few meters ahead, while I followed behind them on the pedestrian walkway. Suddenly, a police car pulled out of a parking space.
The officer inside noticed my daughters walking past his vehicle and, focusing on them, momentarily forgot that he was still driving. In that instant, he failed to see me. By the time he realized I was there, it was too late— the police car struck me squarely. Screams broke out around us as I was thrown into the air and landed heavily on the ground.
When the officer got out of his vehicle, his first reaction was to blame me, claiming I had suddenly stepped in front of his car. My husband and daughters immediately refuted this. They knew I would never rush recklessly in front of a moving vehicle.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that the impact had lifted me several feet into the air. Yet, against all odds, I was conscious and could move. An ambulance soon arrived and rushed me to the emergency room.
After thorough examinations and X-rays, the doctor and nurses were astonished. They told me, almost in unison, that my survival was nothing short of a miracle.
There were no broken bones, no internal injuries, not even minor scrapes. Only a light swelling and redness on my left thigh showed any sign of trauma. The next day, I received acupuncture and laser treatment—and even went to work as usual. My daily life was completely unaffected.
When I reflect on that night, I recall no sensation of pain or impact. My mind had gone blank. Yet, very subtly, I felt as though someone had caught me and gently placed me back on the ground.
That feeling was profound and beyond words.
I have always worn the Vajra Thread given to me by my master when I took Refuge. I believe wholeheartedly that the compassionate empowerment of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas protected me from harm.
While I was physically unharmed, the aftermath was not easy. The police department initially refused to accept responsibility. They attempted to shift the blame to Walmart, claiming the store had not provided adequate pedestrian markings. As a result, they also refused to cover the nearly ten thousand dollars in ambulance and medical expenses.
It was only through Walmart’s surveillance footage, which captured the entire incident, that the truth could be verified.
I reported the situation to my master, explaining how I had been struck by a car yet walked away without injury.
Then, three months later, a call came from the police department’s insurance representative: they would cover all the expenses in full.
In that moment, my heart overflowed with gratitude—to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for their protection, and to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for His compassion and empowerment.
This experience deepened my faith and strengthened my resolve to cultivate diligently. Our whole family now listens to the Buddha Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and practices accordingly.
Through continued study and sincere cultivation, we have found that every aspect of our lives—career, health, and even our children’s educational paths—has been smooth and filled with blessings.
Inspired by this miracle, our family established a Dharma Listening Center to share the authentic Buddha Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, so that others may also receive the same blessings of wisdom and protection.
From the bottom of my heart, I express my deepest gratitude to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Pope of Buddhism, for expounding the supreme and authentic Buddha Dharma.
I also bow in reverence to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for their compassionate protection. This experience reminded me of an unshakable truth: the law of cause and effect never errs.
This accident was no coincidence—it was the ripening of past karmic causes. Yet, through sincere cultivation and the accumulation of merits, even serious calamities can be transformed.
This event has forever affirmed my faith in the Buddha’s teachings. If we believe in the law of cause and effect, remain steadfast in our cultivation, and dedicate ourselves to doing good and spreading the true Dharma, every bit of merit will bring us peace and blessings.
When one lives in alignment with the Buddha Dharma, miracles are not extraordinary—they are the natural expression of divine compassion.
This morning, I stumbled upon a truly inspiring video—one that I feel compelled to share. It’s about something simple yet deeply powerful: the words we choose to tell ourselves at the start of each day.
The video introduces five morning affirmations—phrases rooted in mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion. These words are not just reminders; they are seeds we plant in our hearts. By repeating them daily, we can replace anxiety with calm, transform doubt into confidence, and begin our day already centered in peace.
Here are the affirmations:
I am here, I am alive. This moment is enough.
Nothing outside me can disturb my peace unless I let it.
I will treat myself with kindness, not judgment.
Everything I need is already within me.
Let me be the cause of peace today.
These may seem like simple sentences, yet they carry thousands of years of wisdom. Buddhist teachings remind us that the mind shapes our reality. When we begin each day with thoughts of peace, compassion, and self-respect, we set the tone for everything that follows.
What I love most is the last affirmation: “Let me be the cause of peace today.” Imagine the ripple effect if each of us carried this intention into our daily lives—peace would not just be something we seek, but something we create and share.
The words we tell ourselves each morning truly have the power to shape a lifetime of peace and wisdom.
✨ I wish everyone who watches this video peace, clarity, and growth on their journey. May these affirmations bring light to your mornings and strength to your days.
🌸 Why not give it a try? For the next seven mornings, say these affirmations to yourself before you start your day. Notice how they shift your mood, your focus, and even the way you interact with others. If you feel inspired, share your experience—it might just encourage someone else to begin their own journey of mindful mornings.
Over the past ten years I have been indeed fortunate to receive so many empowerments and initiations from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I have practiced the dharma of self-cultivation taught me by my Buddha Master so that I do have a modest degree of realization. My life has been dedicated to helping others learn and practice as well. I have seen many miraculous states including seeing my Buddha Master and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the heavens and watching a vajra pill fly out of my hand in a dazzling red light. I was also able to awaken another vajra pill and hear and see others sing and dance.
But were these signs that I was a holy being? His Holiness had said that I was, but would ordinary people be able to see the transformation? My real concern was, would I be able to help liberate other living beings? Would they believe me and follow the teachings that I had learned from my Buddha Master?
I learned of another magnificent Buddha-dharma from The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation that can enable one to actually demonstrate that they have the body of a saint or holy being. It is known as the Tien Jie Mandala Ni-Wan Dao-guo Fa or Heavenly Realm Mandala Mud Pill Lamdre Dharma. “Ni-wan” translates literally as “mud pill.” Lamdre is a Tibetan term for “the path and its fruit.” Through this dharma, the “gate to heaven” on the crown of the head can truly be opened. The “mud pill” is also found in the meditative techniques of inner alchemy in Daoism. The Mud Pill crown opening was what was sought to become an immortal. Ancient emperors of China would have given their kingdoms and fortunes to be able to receive this dharma. Ni-wan is also a Daoist term for the place where the consciousness or spirit enters and leaves the body of an immortal. It literally means a point on the top of the head that when open feels like soft mud. A newborn’s brain is like this, which is the reason one has to protect the head of a baby until these openings or fontanelles can grow shut. This point is also known in acupuncture as the Bai Hui or the hundredth meeting point and is connected to the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands—all parts of our anatomy that modern science does not fully understand or appreciate. This is also the Hindu Yogic equivalent of the Crown Chakra. The “ni-wan” also refers to the upper Cinnabar Field in Daoism or the center for intellect and spirituality. In Daoism, one refines one’s essence (jing) into vital energy (qi), refines one’s vital energy into spirit (shen), and refines one’s spirit into emptiness. One unites one’s primordial spirit to become form (an immortal) and dissipates that spirit to become formless vital energy. One is then neither empty nor substantial. That is what is called “non-doing.” In Daoism you are said to also be able to receive cosmic energy through this point as well.
Lest there be confusion, I want to make something perfectly clear. The Mud Pill of Daoism is the place on the crown of the head through which one leaves the body to ascend to heaven. Buddhism also recognizes that the Mud Pill is the place through which one leaves the body to become a celestial being or immortal, which is one type of living being among all of the living beings in the six realms. However, what I am writing about is the Buddha-dharma and not Daoism or any other form of religion. When Buddhism came to China, the Daoists adopted many aspects of Buddhism. Still, Buddhism leads one to become a Buddha or Bodhisattva, and Daoism leads one to become an immortal. People who misunderstand what I am saying might question why I talk of a Daoist practice. This is a result of simply not understanding the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha clearly stated in the sutras that there are six realms into which living beings can reincarnate and that the highest realm is the realm of the immortals. The ten types of immortals are described in general terms in the Surangama Sutra and elsewhere, but they can generally be grouped into three classes: earth bound immortals who continue to live amongst us, heavenly immortals who will go to the heavenly realms only after they leave this earth, and the divine immortals who can go to the heavenly realms now with their earthly bodies as well as after they leave this world. What the Surangama Sutra does not say, but the Buddha explains in other texts, is the fact that those who cultivate themselves according to the teachings of the Buddha can continue their practice in these heavenly realms and go on to become Bodhisattvas. The translation that I have of the Surangama Sutra is not clear on this point and appears to be discussing primarily the earth-bound immortals and not their higher forms.
Although this Buddha-dharma can be transmitted to non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists and help sincere practitioners of other religions to achieve their goals of heavenly rebirth, its purpose for a Buddhist is quite different. Buddhists are also able to take rebirth in the Heavenly Realm and enjoy this paradise, but they do so in order to continue their cultivation and practice of the dharma and be able to eventually become Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In the Sutra on Loving-Kindness (Metta Sutta), Shakyamuni Buddha tells us that although a non-Buddhist may enjoy a life-span in these heavens, when that life-span ends he must return to the lower realms to repay his karmic debts due to the law of cause and effect. However, one who follows the way of the Buddha can enjoy the pleasures of these realms and also gain liberation through the practice of Buddha-dharma while in these realms, eventually attaining the… “complete extinction of lust, hate and delusion in that same kind of heavenly existence.” But there is another aspect of this dharma that also makes it important. When one becomes accomplished in or achieves the fruit of this dharma, one’s structural body actually changes. One’s bones become different than those of an ordinary being to enable one’s consciousness to ascend to the heavenly realms. In this way one becomes a true holy being or saint.
Why is this important? Only holy beings or saints can liberate other living beings, and our work here as Buddhists is to help others seek liberation from the unhappiness, pain, and suffering of samsara or worldly existence. So, how do we know that someone is a holy being? There are many who claim such status and their disciples support them by calling their master a holy being, but are those who make such a claim really able to demonstrate their holiness?
There are two aspects of holy beings that distinguish them from ordinary beings. The first is that they manifest the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva State. This is a type of mind or level of accomplishment whereby everything they do is done for living beings. No matter what they do, say, or think, it is to help living beings become accomplished in the dharma or liberated. This is the aspect of virtuous conduct. However, this alone is not enough to be designated a holy being, because, generally speaking, it cannot be seen or understood by ordinary people.
The second aspect of a holy being is that their physical body type is different from that of ordinary people and there are ways that this can be demonstrated. This is seen through miraculous events that actually change the structure of the body. The Mud Pill Holy Dharma is a Highest Form of Inner-Tantric State-Practice Initiation contained in The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation. The Mud Pill Holy Dharma can accomplish this change in the structure of the body, as can accomplishment in the practice of Tummo Dharma that goes beyond the second stage. It is one way to prove that someone actually has the true Buddha-dharma and can help liberate other living beings. The process for becoming a saint in Catholicism is quite similar. A person has to have exhibited a pure, moral, and kind life and demonstrate some sort of miracle. The opening of the crown in the skull without any visible means on the surface of the skull is such a miracle! But scientific tests show that there indeed is such an opening!
As I mentioned earlier, the Mud Pill dharma from The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation is unique in that such dharma can be practiced by the practitioner of any religion. Although one needs to be a good person with deep roots of kindness, one does not need become a Buddhist to practice it. However, one must be careful in applying this dharma. It can be used to have the consciousness leave and return to the body, and it can be useful at the time of leaving this earth. But if your crown has been so opened, you must strictly abide by the Mud Pill Path Fruit Precepts. If you violate any of those precepts, you must repent that same day. If you repent a day later, your crown will close and you will not attain liberation. But if you abide by the precepts, you will be able to go immediately to the heaven or paradise of your choice after death. You do not need to pass through the bardo. A Christian’s soul would go the Christian Heaven to be with Jesus, while a Hindu would have his consciousness merge with Universal Consciousness (Supreme Cosmic Spirit) in the formless realms or go to the Brahman Heavens of the Form Realm, and so on. In an oral discourse on the dharma, the Buddha Master expounded that our crowns must be opened for us to go to any of the higher realms. What we call consciousness and others refer to as the soul or “spirit” exits the body at the time of death. The means by which it exits determines the next life. The Buddhist sutras also state that if the exit is through the souls of the feet or Yong-Quan gate, one goes to the hell realms; the lower orifices, one becomes an animal; or the navel, one becomes a hungry ghost. The part of the body that determines where the consciousness/soul/spirit of the person goes will remain warm after the rest of the body becomes cold. If one’s heart is warm and the rest of the body is cold, one is reborn to the human realm to be a human. If the throat or the throat gate is hot and the rest of the body is cold, one becomes an Asura. If one’s body is cold and the Mud Pill gate, or fontanelle, is hot, one becomes a deva or a heavenly being. When one is liberated and/or is reborn into a Buddha land, the exit place will be at the Da-Le gate, i.e. the top gate right in the middle of the skull. I remember Dr. Mitchell Levy at Zion, Illinois reporting that after the Sixteenth Karmapa departed this world, to his and the rest of the hospital staff’s amazement, the area around his heart remained warm for a very long time, which would imply that he would be reborn as a human.
The “Mud Pill” dharma does not enable one to become a Bodhisattva. It only enables one to become an immortal and go to the heavenly realms. It can demonstrate that one’s physical body has the qualities of a holy being. However, there are many kinds of holy beings. It does not mean that as long as you have your crown opened it can be said that you are a great holy being. This is true no matter what type of crown opening you receive—either from the Ni-wan Dharma or the Vajra Substitute Body Meditation Dharma. These crown openings belong to the initial stage of a holy being. They are not great holy beings who truly attain the level of perfect liberation. His Holiness has made it very clear that even for the dharma of Vajra Substitute Body Meditation, the opening of the crown should reveal a hole as big as an egg. Moreover, there should be a deep hole in the brain. It does not count if one just has an opening of the scalp or scull bone. His Holiness taught us that using scientific exams alone is not enough to determine the success of a crown opening. In front of the watchful eyes of many people, testing and verification of the crown opening must take place based on Buddha-dharma rules. There is 100% proof that the crown opening was successful when three peacock feathers hanging over the crown of the person tested move about as a result of his consciousness leaving his body or his energy leaving his crown.
MRI scans of those who have received the Mud Pill empowerment show a small opening at the crown. However, the concentration powers of a small portion of those practitioners are not strong. For the sake of their safety, it is best that their openings are closed. At the time of their death, their crowns will naturally open again. There is no need to close the openings of those whose concentration powers are strong. Still, such people must strictly abide by the Mud Pill Path Fruit Precepts. I know of a devout Tibetan whose skull had many such openings from empowerments he had received from various rinpoches. His skull was retrieved from the sky burial field and kept for veneration at a local temple because the lamas knew that he was a true holy being.
So, although I was encouraged to continue my dharm a practice and seek higher states of realization, my Master wanted me to have this empowerment. At the time of my Mud Pill Path Fruit Crown Opening, I wrote a vow of truth that stated the following: “FACING WHAT IS TRUE—Becoming accomplished through the Mud Pill Path-Fruit of The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation does not require the Master to touch the crown of the head or pour water onto the crown from a precious vase. The Master was on one side of the garden, and I was on the other side. The Buddha Master never came close to the crown of my head. His Holiness used His mind to accomplish this transmission. Right then and there His Holiness caused the Emperor of Heaven to descend and open the crown of my head. I clearly saw a wondrous state appear before me. It was extremely clear. Nobody would believe me. How could this be? I was worried it might have been an illusion, so I had it evaluated by a scientific instrument. That evaluation proved that what had happened was real. This fact proves that I have the qualifications of an immortal. If what I have just stated is false, I will surely descend into hell. Sincerely spoken by Zhaxi Zhuoma.”
I hope that virtuous non-Buddhists with deep roots of kindness will also receive this empowerment.
My own experience in receiving and practicing the Mud Pill Dharma of The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation was incredible. I find it difficult to describe in any way that can explain what happened in a believable way. Fortunately, I have the MRI photos that can show the success or fruit of my efforts. I truly believe that these pictures are “worth a thousand words” as far as demonstrating the results, but let me try and tell as much as I can about how they came about. As I have mentioned elsewhere, one does not usually talk about the empowerments and holy inner-tantric initiations one has received. In fact, we are prohibited from doing so according to the dharma. This is an inviolable rule especially with respect to State Practice Initiations. However, I will describe what I am permitted to describe in order to provide non-Chinese speaking people with more specific information about the magnificence of the true Buddha-dharma.
First, it was a beautiful, balmy day. The sun was shining brightly with a slight breeze, providing ideal weather. I sat under a large orange tree next to a calm pool. My assistant sat behind me and was some distance away from me. She faced the opposite direction since she could not witness the ceremony. Of course, I cannot give the particulars of the ceremony itself, but what I can tell you is that my magnificent Master was not in any way near me. His Holiness never touched me or my head before, during or after the ceremony. In fact, my Master was on one side of the yard and I on the other during the ceremony. His Holiness used His mind to accomplish this transmission of the Buddha-dharma to me. His Holiness continued to pray for me while I practiced the dharma. His Holiness prayed that I be a most kindhearted person, that I always benefit all living beings, that I always wish my country and its people be at peace, that I always wish all living beings be free from disasters and hardships, and that I always wish all sentient beings be eternally happy. After I received this dharma, I sat and chanted a certain mantra silently. When I experienced a bright, distinct holy state, I began chanting the same mantra loudly to thank the Emperor of Heaven—also known as the Jade Emperor— for receiving me. My place in the celestial realms as an immortal had been insured. Right then and there my practice of the dharma caused the Emperor of Heaven to descend and open the crown of my head. The wondrous state that appeared before me was extremely clear. There was no doubt that something supernatural had happened!
After the ceremony my Master still did not touch my crown, including the entire time from when I received the dharma until year of 2010 at a medical center where I went to have a MRI image made of my head. Even if the Buddha Master had opened the “Gate of Heaven” on my crown by touching my head, such a power would have exceeded that of all of the Buddhist patriarchs throughout the generations. Even without touching my head, the Buddha Master enabled me to experience the supernatural state through mind transmission alone. I still wondered, “Could this just be an illusion?” It was, after all, an incredible accomplishment. I knew that in ancient times many great sages had devoted their entire lives and resources to achieving this to no avail. Why was I able to realize it?
As soon as I returned from the MRI center, I put the CD of the procedure on a computer. I knew from personally witnessing the beautiful holy state that the ceremony had been a success, but what would the MRI scans show? Would modern medical science be able to see this crown opening? Would the photos record that which is not visible to the naked eye? We were not disappointed. The results were phenomenal! The MRI image showed exactly what should appear according to a discourse given by my Master on this subject—that the Emperor of Heaven connected with me and opened my crown with a hole that was at least an inch wide. The bone around the opening even curved downward to allow for the opening. It was as if the bone had been transformed to a soft wax that could easily be shaped into a different form. Some of the images showed the opening from different angles. It was amazing! Who could believe it? Yet when I looked in the mirror, there was no sign of any change on my crown. No scars, no marks, nothing was visible to the ordinary eye. However, the sophisticated scientific instruments at the MRI center clearly showed a large opening in my crown. It went all the way through the bone into the soft tissue of my brain. It was so amazing. To the average person, this was a miracle! To a holy being, this was supernormal! I now had the body of a holy being and could prove it!
After the image was recorded, I deeply understood that my powers were not yet mature enough. Therefore, I decided to temporarily close my crown to prevent my consciousness from leaving my body and not returning or riding the clouds to heaven before my time has come. That way, I can remain in this world for a while longer. If I abide by the Mud Pill Dharma precepts, I will be received by the Emperor of Heaven and the other celestial beings and be able to continue my study and practice of the Buddha-dharma in paradise. If I become accomplished in the Buddha-dharma in this lifetime, my Da-Le gate will automatically open and I will be able to go to the Buddha-lands. Should I be able to go to the Buddha-lands, the celestial beings will come to escort me there. My Buddha Master is magnificent. I sincerely pray that all living beings have the opportunity to receive this blessed dharma. My gratitude to my Buddha Master is without limits.
The International Buddhism Sangha Association (IBSA) published the following concerning a question about the Mud-Pill Fruit Dharma:
“Some people may ask the following question. Since the goal of a cultivator learning Buddhism is for ascending to the Buddha-Land, why should one seek to reincarnate in the heaven realm? There is something that this person did not understand. Although the Mud-Pill Fruit of Accomplishment is truly a dharma for reincarnating in the heaven realm to become a god, because a cultivator is living in a paradise, he or she will have many opportunities and affinities to beseech dharma from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Thus one can easily and quickly attain through practice the holy realization for ascending to the Buddha-Land. However, the prerequisite for reaping such beneficial reward is that the cultivator must carry out and abide by the ten good deeds and cultivate according to the dharma. Therefore, although crown opening by Mud-Pill Fruit of Accomplishment enables one to reincarnate in the heaven realm, the dharma provides a safeguard to the cultivator at the time of dying and reincarnation so that one does not have to experience the stage of bardo. As a result, there is no suffering caused by the disintegration of the four great elements. Moreover, reincarnating in the heaven realm will make it easier to receive the dharma for ascending to the Buddha-Land.” Click to read the entire article, Announcement #201103.
In 2019, my world collapsed. I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma—one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers—at a middle-to-late stage. After a consultation with several medical experts, I was told that even if I underwent surgery, I would only have three or four months left to live. To survive six or seven months would be nothing short of a miracle.
Following the doctors’ advice, I went through surgery. Afterward, however, I made the conscious decision to forgo all other cancer treatments. I knew I had medical insurance that could cover much of the cost, but I questioned whether aggressive treatments would truly give me dignity and quality of life in my final days. Chemotherapy, radiation, and similar methods often do more harm than good, damaging the organs and leaving patients to die not from the cancer itself, but from the effects of over-treatment.
I also thought about something else: if my time was truly so short, I wanted to preserve my remaining healthy organs so that they could be donated to those in need.
When I returned home from the hospital, my health declined rapidly. Every day I lay in bed in pain, but I did not allow myself to sink into despair. Instead, I chose gratitude. I was grateful that when I opened my eyes, I could see the rising sun outside my window. Grateful for each breath of fresh air. Grateful simply for being alive in that moment.
Still, I asked myself: Was my life really destined to end in just a few short months? The answer within me was a resounding No. I wanted to create a miracle.
What gave me this strength was my son. My sudden illness had devastated him, and I could feel how my suffering dragged him into deep sadness. At that moment, I told myself I must rise up—for him, so that he would still have a mother, and also for other patients enduring the same pain, to show them that hope is possible. If doctors had already declared that I had no chance, why not prove with my own body how powerful the human spirit can be? Why not find a way to live with dignity, with quality, and with the least burden?
And then, something incredible happened.
In April 2020, my husband prepared a feast for me with all kinds of fish and meat. Strangely, the moment I looked at it, I felt an overwhelming discomfort in my heart. That very day, I decided to give up meat completely. From then on, I have been a vegetarian, and I know this will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Less than a month later, it was time for my medical review. To my surprise, all my test results had improved dramatically. Even though that same month I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my father, my condition did not worsen. At first, my family opposed my vegetarian choice, but as they watched my health improve, they slowly came to accept it. This only strengthened my resolve. Three months later, the test results were even better. Along with vegetarianism, I began exercising moderately each day and keeping a positive mindset. After six months, all my medical indicators had returned to normal.
Today, apart from being a little weaker in stamina compared to before, I am doing very well. When patients or their families reach out to me online and ask how I got better, I tell them honestly: “A positive mindset + positive energy + vegetarian diet + moderate exercise.”
But vegetarianism gave me more than just a second chance at life. It opened the door for me to encounter the true Dharma.
One day at a banquet, my vegetarianism led me to meet a Dharma sister who had followed H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for many years. She introduced me to Buddhism, giving me the precious opportunity to listen to the Dharma discourses of the Buddha. Through studying the Dharma, I came to understand the law of cause and effect and the deeper meaning of being vegetarian. I realized that it is not merely about food, but about repenting for the harm I once caused to living beings, cultivating compassion for all sentient life, and seeking self-redemption through transforming karma.
I am no longer just a “pure vegetarian” who avoids even milk and eggs. I have become a practitioner who genuinely cherishes and protects all beings. My heart has grown softer, kinder, and more compassionate.
Gratitude fills me every day—gratitude to vegetarianism, which pulled me back from the edge of death; gratitude to the Dharma, which allowed me to encounter the true teachings of the Tathagata; gratitude for the miracles that have appeared throughout my life whenever I was in despair. That is why my online name is “After Darkness, Light.”
Looking back, many people used to say, “How could such a good person like you get this disease?” I once thought I was a good person too. But was I really? Before learning the Dharma, I would kill mosquitoes, flies, and ants without hesitation. I once had an abortion. Only after learning the true Dharma did I realize how heavy those karmic debts were. And what about my past lives? How much more karma have I carried forward?
Now, I understand: the suffering I faced in this life is not unfair—it is the natural result of my past actions. But how fortunate I am, despite all of this, to have encountered the true Dharma and to have a holy teacher guiding me. This is an incredible blessing, one I owe entirely to the compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions.
The reason I am writing this article is because, in a Buddhist study group of more than 400 people, I saw so many “requests for dedication” every day and so much suffering. I felt most of them don’t have the correct view and concepts of Buddhism. That made me want to share my experience, in hopes it may help others. In those lists of dedication requests, I saw too much misfortune and pain—patients with terminal illnesses, those crying out in agony, those with depression and anxiety, those struck by sudden misfortunes, and so on. It made me deeply sad: sentient beings suffer so much! People in this life fall ill or face hardships of all kinds, but these are all karmic consequences ripened from the many unwholesome deeds done over countless lifetimes or in this very life. Each of us must have deep faith in cause and effect. We must understand that sickness and adversity are manifestations of our own karma, and also warnings—opportunities for us to repent and correct our wrongs.
“There is no one else to rely on but ourselves.” What magic cure exists in this world? The only true cure is repentance and cultivation! For patients who request dedication, whether they themselves, their families, or their friends, if they wish for a miracle or at least some relief, then apart from avoiding over-treatment, the only way is for the patient themselves to give rise to deep repentance and truly reform. Therefore, we must learn Buddhism, follow the teachings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: commit no evil, practice all that is good, strictly uphold the precepts, and follow the teachings in our practice.
All that I have written here is based on my own personal experience and feelings. As for the Dharma itself, the standard must always be the teachings personally expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In life, wealth is not measured solely by what we own. True richness lies in the harmony between material comfort and inner peace. Across every social and economic class, we meet people who radiate kindness and resilience—and others who, despite outward success, feel spiritually empty.
Let’s explore four types of people through the lens of both outer wealth and inner fulfillment.
1. The Poor Among the Poor
Struggling both financially and spiritually.
Imagine someone living in a rundown apartment, surviving paycheck to paycheck. The hardship of their material life is evident—but the deeper burden lies within. Stress, anxiety, and hopelessness weigh heavily on their heart.
Perhaps their past holds trauma, loss, or abandonment. With little support or healing, bitterness takes root. Trust feels dangerous. Joy seems unreachable. They may withdraw or act out, living not only in material scarcity but also emotional desolation.
This is a soul in need of compassion, connection, and light—a reminder that true poverty is not just economic, but also spiritual.
2. The Spiritually Rich in Modest Circumstances
Materially humble, yet inwardly joyful.
Now envision someone of limited means, yet abundant in heart. Their home may be small, their income meager—but their spirit shines. They greet life with gratitude, take joy in the sunrise, the warmth of a shared meal, the laughter of a friend.
They live by faith or a strong set of values. They give generously, even when they have little. Their kindness is sincere, their joy resilient. They find meaning in helping others and walk through life with dignity and grace.
Yan Hui, one of Confucius’s most cherished students, is a timeless example. Confucius admired Yan Hui for his ability to remain joyful despite poverty, exclaiming: “How virtuous Hui is! With just a bowl of rice and a ladle of water in a humble alley, others could not endure such hardship, yet Hui never let go of his joy. How virtuous Hui is!”
His life shows us that true wealth comes from within.
3. The Restless Among the Rich
Surrounded by luxury, yet inwardly unfulfilled.
This person owns much—prestigious homes, expensive cars, elite status. But their heart feels hollow. They may look successful, yet their joy is shallow and fleeting.
They chase more: more titles, more possessions, more recognition—but the emptiness remains. Relationships feel strained. Peace eludes them. Their days are filled with doing, but not being. They struggle to find meaning.
Despite all they have, they feel poor in spirit. What they truly long for is connection, authenticity, and inner peace.
4. The Truly Abundant
Blessed with both material wealth and spiritual fullness.
Finally, imagine someone who has both outer success and a heart full of wisdom and compassion. Their generosity extends beyond money to love, time, and care. Their worth isn’t measured by what they own, but by the good they do.
They uplift others, listen deeply, and lead with humility. They use their resources to heal, not to boast. When they fall, they grow. When others suffer, they respond with empathy.
Their life radiates meaning because it is guided by the heart. They show us what true abundance looks like.
Prince Siddhartha is the ultimate role model. Born into luxury, he had everything—nobility, intelligence, beauty, and unmatched talent in both scholarship and martial arts. Yet, he realized that worldly pleasures are fleeting illusions.
Compelled by compassion, he renounced his royal life to seek a path of liberation for all beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Through profound wisdom and practice, he attained complete enlightenment and became the Buddha—a being of perfect wisdom and boundless compassion.
His life teaches us that the richest journey is one that leads to awakening and selfless love.
So, What Is True Wealth?
True wealth is not just what we possess—but who we are. You can have little and still be truly rich. You can have much and still feel deeply poor.
In the end, the real measure of success is not our bank account, but how much kindness we carry—and how we uplift others through it.
Let us not chase only riches. Let us seek a full heart. Let us build lives that inspire, comfort, and heal.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata has taught that when a practitioner of the Great Perfection Dharma attains the highest level of realization, even the dharma instruments and the dharma seat used by such a being can manifest extraordinary signs—turning into rainbows. This profound teaching has now manifested as fact.
The site shown in the photographs below is the vajra throne area where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III practiced dharma. Within this sacred lawn, a mandala of the vajra throne, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III conducted numerous inner-tantric initiations for rinpoches, dharma teachers, and lamas, as well as many major Buddhist ceremonies.
On the afternoon of July 4, 2006, under clear skies and bright sunlight, an extraordinary event occurred. Without warning, celestial dragons roared with laughter, their sounds echoing like thunder through the sky. At the same time, a rich, fragrant scent filled the air. Then, from the vajra throne area, thousands of brilliant, rainbow-colored lights began to sparkle and shine.
These lights radiated in ever-changing hues and forms. Some appeared on the tips of grass, others near the roots, some along the blades, and some floated freely in the air between them. Whether viewed from up close or afar, from any direction, dazzling lights could be seen—each more brilliant than diamonds under direct sunlight.
What was truly astonishing was that each person witnessed something different: some saw multicolored lights, others saw white, blue, red, or green lights. Moreover, the colors constantly changed. Some lights would vanish suddenly, only to reappear moments later. Even a strong hose spraying water could not wash them away. Yet when touched by hand, the lights would instantly disappear without a trace. It was nothing short of miraculous.
Even more remarkable was that these glittering rainbow lights were confined solely to the area where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III had practiced. A few feet away, on the same lawn, no such lights could be seen—even after being watered. Finally, the lights suddenly gathered together and transformed into a magnificent, vibrant rainbow that soared into the clear blue sky. It was a truly wondrous and sacred sight.
This holy manifestation is a clear testament to the extraordinary realization and accomplishment of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Present during this divine event were rinpoches such as Venerable Akou Lamo Rinpoche, H.E. Gar Tongstan IV, and Venerable Xiangge Qiongwa; Dharma Teachers such as Venerable Long Hui and Dharma Teacher Jue Hui; as well as lay practitioners.
We personally witnessed these events exactly as described above. The photographs below were taken while we observed the radiant rainbow lights shining forth from the vajra throne area of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. As students of Buddhism and sincere cultivators, we dare not speak falsely or mislead sentient beings. We understand deeply that to do so would bring karmic retribution. Therefore, we solemnly affirm the truth of this account.
The participants’ signatures are provided in the video as a testimony to the authenticity of these events.