Tag: Philosophy

Why Does This Matter?

linda changLeave a comment
Author

Brian Timar

I’ve been a graduate student in physics for almost three years, but I only recently figured out why. I had to tackle a simple question do so: Why does this matter?  I avoided asking myself this question because I knew the answer would be painful.

I ended up in physics through stubbornness, and an unusual willingness to suffer for the sake of grades. As an undergraduate, I was not particularly passionate about quarks, quasars, or quantum mechanics, but I was academically very competitive, and once I’d settled on physics as my major I determined to place myself at the top of my class. I did so by throwing myself into the hardest classes and putting in the hours required to ace the tests. This was, to put it mildly, a bad idea. I got a sort of grim pleasure from vanquishing my classmates in these academic slogs, but I was basically miserable. So why’d I keep it up?

Young man in green hoodie rowing a boat on dry cracked ground

When multiple people are striving towards a shared goal, they often rank themselves by progress within their peer group. This was my mistake — I swapped an absolute goal (figuring out how bits of nature work) with a relative one (scoring higher on tests than my classmates). Later, when I found myself unhappy, I couldn’t leave without feeling like I’d lost something. That social capital sunk cost was the first part of the trap I found myself in.

The second was a positive feedback loop that encouraged me to spend ever-increasing amounts of time on my work. Humans inherit convictions mimetically from each other — we learn what to value by imitating our peers. As my desire to excel academically grew, I spent greater amounts of time in and around the physics department. The more time I spent there, the greater my desire to excel. I’d never given physics much thought at all before my senior year in high school — but once I was surrounded by other physics students, competing for the same pool of grades and research positions, I could think of little else. This inherited desire was unchecked because I had no life outside of academics — no fixed reference point. Although quitting would have made me happier, I felt like I had nowhere to quit to. My tunnel vision left me with few concrete notions of alternative pursuits, and without a destination, I could not seriously contemplate leaving. 

Plans are never plausible until they contain specifics, and implausible plans tend to be discarded. Many of my peers in physics only added incredulity, consciously or otherwise. The result was a reality distortion field — quitting was not just painful, but unimaginable, unthinkable. I ended up in graduate school not because I wanted to toe the bleeding edge of natural science, but because I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

That’s the mimetic trap in a nutshell: it hurts to leave, and there’s nowhere to go. It decouples the social reward signal from the rest of objective reality — you can spend years ascending ranks in a hierarchy without producing anything that the rest of humanity finds valuable. If you value the process itself, that’s fine. I didn’t. Cowardice kept me from acting on this, and after a while I came to believe I had to succeed in this field I’d fallen into essentially by chance.

“Why does this matter?” is an excellent way to gauge if you’ve drifted into a mimetic trap. If you find this question impossible to answer honestly, you’re probably wasting your time. Getting out is the hard part — that requires courage and diligent planning. It’s much easier to avoid falling in. But in either case, you’ll benefit from building a system that steers you towards productive, meaningful activity in the long run.

Source: https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=2576

Light Across the Ocean: A Miracle at the Bathing Buddha Festival and the True Dharma of Liberation

linda changLeave a comment

The eighth day of the Fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar is the holy birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha. Before the Buddha renounced and reached enlightenment, he was known as Prince Siddhartha. According to Buddhist sutras, right after the Prince was born, He said, with one hand pointing to the sky and the other pointing to the ground, “From heaven to earth, I alone am the world-honored one.” Nine dragons in the sky then poured streams of fragrant water from their mouths to bathe the prince’s body. Ever since, Buddhists hold the Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly to celebrate the holy birth of the Buddha.

Today, I want to share an extraordinary, documented event from 2004 that shook the Buddhist world. It is more than just a story of a miraculous, glowing statue—it is a powerful testament to the supreme realization of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and the authentic, life-altering Dharma that grants sentient beings true mastery over life and death.

At the Hua Zang Si Temple in San Francisco, California, over a dozen rare and sacred Buddhist relics are enshrined. Among them is a bronze statue of the Prince (the young Shakyamuni Buddha) clad in a red robe, a sight that naturally commands reverence from all who visit.

The story takes us back to May 23, 2004. At the conclusion of that year’s Bathing Buddha Festival, in front of a crowd of eyewitnesses, this bronze statue suddenly began to radiate an incredibly brilliant, dazzling golden light! This sacred illumination did not fade quickly; it lasted for two and a half hours before slowly dissipating.

In over two thousand years of Buddhist history, countless Bathing Buddha ceremonies have been held, yet it is almost unheard of for a physical statue to manifest such prolonged, independent radiance. What was the cause behind this breathtaking miracle?

The answer lies across the Pacific Ocean, tied to the merits of an 81-year-old lay Buddhist named Madame Cheng-E Fen.

Madame Cheng-E Fen lived in Sichuan, China. She was a close relative of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (known at the time as the Supreme Vaja Dharma King Master Yi Xi Nuo Bu) and devoutly practiced the Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara) Dharma under His guidance.

In the spring of 2004, at age 81, Madame Cheng-E Fen began showing signs of physical failure due to advanced illness. However, her subsequent medical examinations at the Chengdu General Hospital left the medical community completely baffled.

Her X-ray films revealed a complete absence of lung imagery—just total, blank space. Doctors confirmed that her lungs had completely stopped functioning. She had no respiratory capability whatsoever; she could neither inhale nor exhale.

By all laws of medical science, a person without respiration is a deceased person.

Yet, despite having no breath, Madame Cheng-E Fen remained completely alive, clear-minded, and conversational for over a month! Witnesses even placed a light feather right in front of her nose and mouth; they watched it for over ten minutes, and it never stirred a fraction of an inch.

This phenomenon, entirely impossible by medical standards, was a direct manifestation of her deep spiritual realization—a profound transformation achieved through the true, authentic Dharma transmitted to her by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Knowing her time was near, Madame Cheng-E Fen had calmly made her final arrangements, changed into her burial robes, and waited for the pure land’s welcoming. On two separate occasions in her hospital room, she pressed her palms together and told those around her, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva has arrived.” At those exact moments, everyone in the room noticed a sudden, exquisite fragrance, and the sound of heavenly music echoing from the void.

Yet, both times, she did not depart. She explained to the onlookers: Her holy teacher in the United States—H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—had requested Guan Yin Bodhisattva to delay her departure.

Goddess in blue robe sitting on a lotus flower surrounded by lotus pond and traditional Asian pagodas at dusk

She marveled, saying, “I saw the blue robes of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Oh, the Western Pure Land is so beautiful! So many pavilions, so many flowers.”

To be in perfect spiritual communion with the Bodhisattvas, and to successfully request a delay in a disciple’s passing to reschedule their ascension—this represents an inconceivable, supreme holy realization. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III requested this delay so that her ultimate transition could align perfectly with a major spiritual event in the West, using this undeniable reality to awaken faith in a skeptical world.

On May 22, 2004, at 11:00 PM California time (which was 2:00 PM on May 23 in China), H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III called Venerable Shi Long Hui, the Chairwoman of the International Buddhism Sangha Association, to His presence. He prophesied: Madame Cheng-E Fen will pass away today in China, and Guan Yin Bodhisattva will escort her to the Western Pure Land.

The Buddha Master instructed Long Hui to publicly announce this news at the Bathing Buddha Festival in Los Angeles the following day, and to dedicate the immense merits of the ceremony to the elderly lady. He added: “Tomorrow’s festival carries extraordinarily powerful merit. I can no longer ask Guan Yin Bodhisattva to delay her departure. After I finish practicing Dharma tonight, Guan Yin Bodhisattva will come to take her tomorrow.”

Sure enough, at 7:00 AM the next morning in Los Angeles, word arrived from Sichuan: Madame Cheng-E Fen had peacefully and mindfully ascended with Guan Yin Bodhisattva exactly twenty minutes prior.

At that exact moment during the American festival, as the assembly united their hearts to dedicate the merits of the Bathing Buddha ceremony to her—the Prince statue at the temple erupted into a brilliant golden glow that lasted for two and a half hours. This profound convergence across the Pacific Ocean was the ultimate, undeniable confirmation from the heavens that the True Dharma is real and absolute.

The Search for Authentic Liberation

Witnessing this miracle in Sichuan, an earnest practitioner expressed what so many spiritual seekers feel today:

“For years, I have been searching, visiting many famous teachers and high lamas, yet I never felt I was learning the path to true liberation. Deep down, I knew I was still bound by my flaws, and I feared what would happen when I faced death.

Seeing the holy realization of Madame Cheng-E Fen, I know the Buddhas have answered my prayers. We must do everything we can to find the Master who taught her. He is the true Holy One. Only He can help us solve the ultimate problem of life and death!”

Remarkably, Madame Cheng-E Fen’s husband had also been a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III years prior, and he too achieved absolute freedom over his passing, leaving the world while meditating in a seated posture. For both husband and wife to achieve such monumental liberation is a rare and beautiful chapter in Buddhist history.

Life is fleeting, and impermanence arrives without warning. The miraculous ascension of Madame Cheng-E Fen and the radiant light of the Bathing Buddha Festival serve as a beacon of hope in our modern age.

The realization held by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the authentic, primordial Dharma that allows everyday people to truly conquer death and attain liberation in this very lifetime. May all who read this find right mindfulness, connect with true spiritual paths, and reach the shore of ultimate freedom.

(This article is adapted from an interview with Venerable Abbess Ruo Hui. For the core teachings of Buddhism, please always refer to the original recorded discourses and published books of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.)

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/22/light-across-the-ocean-a-miracle-at-the-bathing-buddha-festival-and-the-true-dharma-of-liberation/

The Miraculous Healing: A True Witness to the Inconceivable Power of Buddha Dharma

linda changLeave a comment

This post is adapted from a true account personally shared by Dr. Xisi Huang during her appearance on the “Buddhist Disciples Interview” program. It is our sincere hope that through this extraordinary testimonial, readers can deeply feel the inconceivable greatness of the Buddha Dharma and the peerless, boundless compassion of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Young girl lying in bed with fever, sweating, crying, and covered in a red rash

In 2018, a nightmare began for our family. The skin on my 20-year-old younger daughter’s legs began breaking out in ulcerated rashes. Over time, the condition worsened drastically, leaving open wounds that rotted down to the raw flesh.

We sought help everywhere. We consulted Western doctors, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, dermatologists, and natural therapies specialists. The diagnoses were completely inconsistent—ranging from severe mosquito bite allergies and stress to eczema and autoimmune failures. Yet, every doctor resorted to the same treatment: prescribing topical or oral steroids, and eventually, steroid injections. None of it worked. Instead, her body developed a resistance to the medication, and the painful, itchy rashes began spreading uncontrollably across her entire body.

By June, medical reports revealed she had developed severe allergies to over 50 types of food, a clear sign that her immune system was entirely compromised. She had to suspend her studies and was confined to the house, as any exposure to ambient bacteria could have been fatal. Suffering from constant hunger due to her restricted diet, she wasted away until she was practically skin and bones. As a mother, watching her suffer in agony while being utterly helpless was heartbreaking. It made me realize how limited and powerless human medicine can truly be.

The ultimate crisis struck on July 10th. Her immune system collapsed completely. Her fingers and toes swelled so severely that they fused together, rendering her unable to move or get out of bed. Soon, she began having difficulty breathing. When I desperately asked if she wanted to go to the hospital, she weakly replied, “It’s no use anymore, Mom. I finally truly understand what the Buddha taught—that human life hangs entirely on the balance of a single breath.” When I called her doctor in a panic, he looked at her and flatly admitted that they had never encountered such a case and could do nothing more. He implied that the end was near; if the inflammation attacked her heart, it would stop, and if it hit her throat, her airway would close. She was living on borrowed time, facing death every single second.

In the dead of night, at 2:00 AM, driven by sheer desperation as my daughter lay dying, I knelt on my living room floor. I prayed to the heavens, crying out for the blessings and salvation of our Buddha Master. The next morning, I took photos of her condition and sent them to Dharma Master Jue Hui at the Holy Miracles Temple in the United States. Very quickly, the Dharma Master called back with an urgent message: “The Buddha Master is aware of the situation. Your daughter is in extreme danger. You must come to America immediately.”

聖蹟寺 Holy Miracles Temple

Because urgent matters prevented me from leaving Hong Kong, my eldest daughter boarded a flight to Los Angeles that very night and rushed straight to Holy Miracles Temple. When she arrived around 7:00 PM, hundreds of disciples were already waiting to be received. By midnight, though the Buddha Master was exhausted from tirelessly helping disciples all day, He compassionately chose to forgo rest to receive my daughter.

The Buddha Master revealed the true cause of the affliction: my younger daughter’s condition was the manifestation of a massive karmic retribution, where her past karmic creditors had materialized as a demonic force possessing her body, intending to attack her until she perished.

The Buddha Master then asked my eldest daughter to step outside the hall, then His Holiness performed a holy Dharma rite. During the ritual, a profound, exquisite fragrance suddenly enveloped the entire temple—a heavenly scent my eldest daughter noted she had never experienced anywhere on Earth. Afterward, the Buddha Master, with boundless patience and compassion, repeatedly instructed my daughter on how to safely transport the large gallon of holy Dharma water back to Hong Kong and exactly how to administer it to her dying sister.

My eldest daughter packed the Dharma water into small bottles to bring back. Given the notoriously strict security checks at US customs, we were terrified that a suitcase full of fragrant liquids would be confiscated. Yet, a miracle occurred: when she opened the suitcase in Hong Kong, she found an official customs inspection letter inside. The officers had opened and checked the bag, yet they allowed every single bottle to pass through untouched.

The healing that followed was nothing short of miraculous. On the second day of using the Dharma water, my younger daughter’s spirit returned; she could sit up, and her breathing became smooth.

Most incredible of all, within just one single week, the rashes across her entire body vanished. The deep, ulcerated wounds on her legs that had previously exposed her flesh healed completely, leaving absolutely no scars behind! According to medical science, human skin tissue regeneration takes a bare minimum of 28 days. Yet, through the blessing of the Buddha Dharma, she was fully restored in seven days. A month later, she was healthy enough to study abroad in France.

Sometime later, her doctor—who had assumed she had passed away—called me to express his condolences. When I told him, “Doctor, my daughter is completely fine. She is fully recovered and is currently studying in France,” he was stunned into silence, able to utter only one phrase: “That is truly a miracle.”

In the face of such an undeniable transformation of karma, the scientific community can only use the word “miracle” to cloak the limitations of human knowledge. But today, I stand before you to declare boldly: This was not a mere coincidence or a stroke of luck. This is the tangible, magnificent manifestation of the supreme power of Buddha Dharma, and the unparalleled, life-saving compassion of our beloved Buddha Master, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/19/the-miraculous-healing-a-true-witness-to-the-inconceivable-power-of-buddha-dharma/

This post is translated and edited from Interview with a Buddhist Disciple (59): AM1300 Chinese Radio Station – Exclusive Interview with PhD. Huang Xisi 《佛弟子訪談（五十九：AM1300中文廣播電臺-專訪香港黃僖偲博士》 by Linda Chang. For original records, please click here.

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

A Plum Blossom Painting Filled with Inner Strength and Serenity

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The first time I looked at this plum blossom painting by Dorje Chang Buddha III, I immediately felt a powerful and uplifting energy flowing from it. It was not simply a beautiful painting that pleased the eyes. Rather, it carried a quiet spiritual strength that deeply touched the heart.

My first thought was that only an artist with profound inner calmness, wisdom, and spiritual realization could create such a work.

In traditional Chinese culture, plum blossoms symbolize nobility, purity, perseverance, and courage. Blossoming in the cold of winter, they have long represented the ability to remain graceful and strong amid hardship. Yet this painting expresses those qualities in a particularly extraordinary way.

The entire composition feels free from anything worldly or artificial. There is no trace of stiffness, heaviness, or forced technique. Every brushstroke appears natural, effortless, and alive. The painting possesses a wondrous elegance that cannot be achieved merely through technical skill or years of practice alone. It feels more like the crystallization of wisdom, cultivation, and inner realization.

What especially fascinates me is the unique arrangement of the plum tree itself. The roots twist and coil together, naturally forming what resembles a large bonsai pot. The varying shades of ink create rich layers, flowing movement, and a dreamlike sense of surrealism throughout the painting. The entire scene feels both realistic and ethereal at the same time, blending natural beauty with poetic imagination.

The artist employs the distinctive Chinese painting technique of “flying white” and broken brushstrokes, allowing the branches to pulse with vitality and the force of life. The bold, heavy brushwork gives the sturdy roots the powerful presence of coiled dragons gathering strength before soaring into motion. The entire composition radiates an uplifting sense of righteous energy, while also revealing the artist’s vast, bold, and magnanimous inner world.

What is even more remarkable is that the brushwork appears so simple and effortless, yet every stroke is skillful and full of spirit. Nothing feels excessive, and nothing is unnecessary. It is precisely this simplicity that gives the painting its extraordinary sense of calmness, freedom, and spiritual strength.

After completing the painting, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III composed the following poem:

“Plum flowers of surpassing loveliness blossom in a pot, though never are they planted.
Wave the brush to plant the tree, and the roots of that old tree form their own shallow pot.”

The poem perfectly reflects the painting’s natural spontaneity and artistic wonder. The plum blossoms seem not artificially arranged, but born effortlessly from nature itself.

Perhaps this is what makes the painting so moving. Beyond its artistic beauty, it conveys a state of mind — calm yet powerful, simple yet profound, gentle yet filled with inner strength.

In today’s restless and hurried world, such artwork quietly reminds us of something precious: true beauty comes not only from technique, but from the purity, peace, and depth within the artist’s heart.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/14/a-plum-blossom-painting-filled-with-inner-strength-and-serenity/

Revealing the Truth — A Book That Inspires Deep Self-Reflection

linda changLeave a comment

Revealing the Truth is not merely a collection of Buddhist stories. The book chronicles the personal experiences of a Buddhist nun over twelve years, from 2001 to 2013, while cultivating at the holy home base of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Through many real-life experiences, the book quietly reveals the compassion, wisdom, and holiness of Dorje Chang Buddha III, while also helping disciples reflect deeply on whether their own cultivation truly aligns with Buddhist teachings.

What makes this book especially valuable is its sincerity. The stories are not distant theories or abstract teachings, but vivid experiences from everyday life — moments of hardship, karmic tests, spiritual awakening, and personal reflection. As readers follow these experiences, they are naturally led to examine themselves:

Are my thoughts truly compassionate?
Are my words beneficial to others?
Are my actions aligned with the Dharma?
Am I sincerely cultivating, or merely following forms outwardly?

In today’s busy and distracted world, Revealing the Truth serves not only as an inspiring spiritual record, but also as a mirror for sincere cultivators seeking genuine inner transformation.

Among the many fascinating stories in the book, I would like to share one particularly miraculous and thrilling incident.

One day, several disciples accidentally ate a deadly poisonous wild herb after mistaking it for edible Chinese kale. Within minutes, those who had tasted the vegetables began suffering severe dizziness, numbness, blurred vision, and loss of bodily control. Some collapsed to the ground, their faces turning pale gray as though life itself were slipping away.

When H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III learned what had happened, he immediately recognized the herb as the highly poisonous “Yizhihao,” warning that even a tiny amount could be fatal. Seeing five disciples hovering between life and death, he urgently instructed everyone to induce vomiting. At beginning, none of them could do that. Then, with great solemnity, he snapped his fingers in blessing and loudly called upon the Dharma protectors to rescue the poisoned disciples and restore their consciousness.

What happened next astonished everyone present. Almost immediately, the poisoned disciples began vomiting repeatedly, expelling the toxins from their bodies. Though completely exhausted afterward, all five ultimately survived safely.

Stories like this are what make Revealing the Truth so unforgettable. Beyond the mystery and drama, readers can deeply feel the compassionate care extended toward disciples and the profound spiritual power revealed through ordinary life situations.

Perhaps this is why the book continues to leave such a deep impact on sincere readers — because beneath every story lies a reminder to cultivate more truthfully, more humbly, and more sincerely on the path of liberation.

If you are looking for a book that doesn’t just tell you about Buddhism, but shows you how it breathes in the real world, Revealing the Truth is your next essential read.

The paper copies of the book are available at Buddhist temples or can be purchased online at Amazon.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/12/revealing-the-truth-a-book-that-inspires-deep-self-reflection/

When Noise Becomes Blindness

linda changLeave a comment
Wizard at desk surrounded by books, scrolls, potions, and magical screens displaying symbols and star constellations

The most dangerous thing is not that we are surrounded by falsehood, but that we slowly lose our desire to seek what is true.

In 1906, Hannah Arendt was born into a world that would soon reveal both the brilliance and the fragility of human society. She later witnessed how a highly educated and cultured nation could slowly lose its clarity, drifting into confusion and darkness.

In her important work, The Origins of Totalitarianism, she reflected on a troubling question:
How do people lose their ability to see what is right in front of them?

Her answer was not simple, but one part stands out quietly and powerfully—when truth becomes unstable, people begin to lose their ability to think clearly.

Today, we may not live in the same world she did, but in some ways, her observations feel closer than ever.

Every day, information rushes toward us from all directions. News, opinions, arguments, videos, headlines—especially on platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok. Everything moves quickly. Everything competes for attention.

At first, we try to follow.
We read. We watch. We react.

But slowly, something changes.

The more we see, the less certain we feel.
The more voices we hear, the harder it becomes to know which one is true.
Contradictions pile up. Emotions rise. Clarity fades.

And without noticing it, we grow tired.

Not physically tired—but mentally tired.

When the mind is tired, it stops asking questions.
It stops examining.
It stops distinguishing.

We begin to accept things without really understanding them.
Or we reject everything, thinking, “Maybe nothing is true anyway.”

This is a quiet kind of blindness.

Not because we cannot see,
but because we no longer take the time to look carefully.

In her later essay, Truth and Politics, Arendt warned that when truth is constantly distorted, it does more than mislead—it weakens our trust in truth itself. And when that trust fades, something deeper begins to erode: our sense of judgment, responsibility, and even compassion.

This is not a distant problem.
It is something we face every day.

So what can we do?

Perhaps the answer is simpler than we expect, but not easier.

We pause.

We step back from the noise, even for a moment.
We resist the urge to react immediately.
We allow ourselves time to think.

Not quick thinking,
but careful thinking.

We ask:
Is this true?
What is the source?
Am I reacting, or am I understanding?

And just as importantly, we question even the ideas we already agree with.

Real thinking is not comfortable.
It requires patience.
It requires honesty.
Sometimes, it requires us to admit we were wrong.

But this quiet effort is what keeps the mind alive.

In a world filled with endless information, the greatest danger is not that we are misinformed.
It is that we stop thinking altogether.

So, in the midst of all the noise, we can choose something different.

To slow down.
To look carefully.
To think clearly.

And in doing so, we begin to see again.

#OriginsofTotalitarianism#HannahArendt #Germany #TruthandPolitics #Philosophy

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/05/when-noise-becomes-blindness/

Seeing a World Within Emptiness — An Appreciation of a Lively and Serene Ink Painting

linda changLeave a comment
Myna Birds Drunk Among the Willows by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Some paintings do not rely on complexity to move us. With only a few deliberate strokes, they unfold a world full of life. This fresh and tranquil ink painting is one such work. Quiet and unassuming, it reveals a profound artistic tension and depth within simplicity and stillness.

The composition is anchored by three strong yet supple ink lines. Their texture is rich and full, their force penetrating the paper. They resemble trees, yet are not trees—more like structural forms that divide the flat surface into a grid of interwoven spaces. Within these spaces, branches stretch and intersect, while willow-like lines sway gently, creating a rhythmic sense of motion.

What is most remarkable, however, lies in what is not painted.

The empty spaces are far from void; they are charged with meaning. In these areas of intentional absence, the viewer’s imagination is invited to wander. As the saying goes, “where nothing is painted, there lies the true realm of the painting.” The composition, in its entirety, feels almost like a montage—a sequence of visual moments carefully arranged. From this minimal structure emerges a surprisingly rich and intriguing visual experience.

Bringing the scene to life are several mynah birds, rendered in bold, expressive ink. These small creatures become the focal point of the painting.

They are divided into three groups, each occupying different sections of the grid. In a small triangular space near the top, three birds gather closely together. The density of life within such a confined area creates an immediate visual tension. In contrast, a large quadrilateral space in the lower middle is occupied by just a single bird, as if it has claimed the entire openness for itself—perhaps even becoming the quiet center of the composition.

Then there is a particularly playful detail: a bird in the upper right seems to occupy the intersection of four spaces at once. Though not placed at the center, it establishes its own presence, as if declaring that even at the edge, one can still become a focal point.

These birds preen their feathers, tilt their heads, hum softly, and seem to communicate with one another. Bathed in a sense of freshness, they revel in the gentle beauty of spring, fully immersed in a life of ease and freedom. The entire painting begins to resemble a small, self-contained paradise.

This delightful and imaginative work is created by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Art, at its highest level, is not merely a display of technique—it is a reflection of the inner world. A truly great work reveals the artist’s state of mind and spiritual depth.

In this painting, what we witness is not only mastery of brush and ink, but also a sense of calm, freedom, and purity—a state of being that transcends complexity and returns to essence.

The diverse artistic creations of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stand as enduring treasures of human civilization. And this seemingly simple piece gently reminds us:

In a world of endless complexity, true beauty often resides in simplicity—
and true freedom may be found in the space between what is left unpainted.

LinK:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/04/seeing-a-world-within-emptiness-an-appreciation-of-a-lively-and-serene-ink-painting/

Your Aura is a Map of Your Soul: The Ancient Chinese Wisdom of “Xiang You Xin Sheng”

linda changLeave a comment

A Turn of Thought, A Turn of Fate — A Story of Conscience and Choice

Ever wonder if people can ‘sense’ what you’re thinking? In Chinese culture, we call this ‘Xiang You Xin Sheng.’ It’s the idea that your aura is a mirror of your soul. I found this traditional story particularly striking today, as it shows how changing your mind is the ultimate way to change your luck.

In Chinese culture, there is an ancient proverb: “Xiang You Xin Sheng” (相由心生). While it literally translates to “one’s appearance is born from the heart,” its wisdom goes far deeper than physical beauty.

In this context, “Xiang” (相) refers to much more than just the face; it encompasses one’s “aura,” “vibe,” or the invisible energy one radiates to the world. The teaching suggests that our persistent thoughts eventually sculpt our features and our presence, and this shift in our “countenance” often signals a pivotal turn in our destiny.

There is a traditional story that perfectly illustrates this profound connection between thought, aura, and fate.

Long ago, a wealthy man with no children of his own adopted a young orphan. He raised the boy as his own flesh and blood, providing him with a fine education and teaching him the intricacies of business and integrity. As the boy grew into a young man, he became exceptionally handsome and capable. To any observer, he was the clear heir to a vast fortune.

However, the human heart can be like a dark, fathomless pond. In moments of solitude, a shadow began to creep into the young man’s mind: “Since all of this will eventually be mine, why shouldn’t I have it sooner?”

At first, this thought was a mere spark. But over time, it began to smolder. It subtly changed his “Xiang”—his once-clear eyes grew clouded with a trace of calculation, and his once-welcoming aura took on a subtle edge of coldness.

One day, a guest skilled in the ancient art of physiognomy (face reading) visited the house. After observing the young man, the guest whispered to the father: “This young man’s spirit is darkened. There is a hidden greed between his brows. He may harbor betrayal in his heart; you must be on your guard.”

The young man happened to overhear this from behind a wall. In that moment, he felt as though he had been struck by lightning. He wasn’t angry at being insulted; he was terrified of being seen. He realized that his inner “vibe” had betrayed him—the “thief” in his heart had indeed been lurking there for a long time.

“My father has treated me with the kindness of a mountain, yet I covet his life and wealth. How am I different from a beast?” he thought. This intense shame acted like a mirror, reflecting the stains on his soul. In that instant, he made the most important decision of his life: he would cut off his greed, leave his comfortable home, and find his true, clean self again.

He bid farewell to his father and set out to make his own way. Not long after, while traveling a lonely path, he found a heavy pouch filled with gold and silver—enough wealth to change a man’s life instantly.

In the silence of the wilderness, with no one watching, the old greed flickered for a second. But he immediately remembered the shame and the awakening he had experienced. Instead of taking the pouch, he waited. He stood his ground from noon until dusk, until a frantic traveler appeared, searching in despair for his lost property.

Young man giving a bag labeled GOLD to an elderly woman crying with gratitude

When the young man returned the wealth, the owner was moved to tears. Impressed by such rare integrity, the traveler used his influence to recommend the young man for a prestigious and honorable career. From that point on, the young man no longer relied on an inheritance. Through his own hard work and “righteous spirit,” he built a life of genuine dignity and peace.

Years later, when people spoke of him, they saw a man with a gentle face and a clear, peaceful aura. The gloom of his youth had vanished. He finally understood that what changed his fate wasn’t the bag of gold or the new job; it was the moment he chose to face his own inner ugliness and personally extinguish the fire of greed.

The turning points in our lives rarely happen during grand, public moments. They happen in the silent depths of the heart. One thought can lead a person into an abyss; one shift in thought can lead them back to the light.

We cannot guarantee that we will never harbor a dark thought, but we can choose—the moment we become aware of it—not to follow where it leads.

As the old wisdom teaches: Good and evil exist within a single thought. And destiny? It often waits at the corner of that very same thought, ready to turn your life in a whole new direction.

#Mindfulness #AsianCulture #SelfImprovement #ChineseWisdom#AsianPhilosophy #TraditionalCulture#Chinesestories #Chinesetraditionalconcepts

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/04/your-aura-is-a-map-of-your-soul-the-ancient-chinese-wisdom-of-xiang-you-xin-sheng/

Awakening Life in the Deep: An Appreciation of Deep Sea Purple Moss

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Among many spiritually expressive works of art, Deep Sea Purple Moss stands out for its simplicity and depth, offering viewers a striking, almost visceral impact. This Western-style painting by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III may appear abstract at first glance, yet it carries profound reflections on life and inner awakening.

The entire composition is built from just three colors—black, white, and purple—yet it reveals remarkable layers and tension. The black areas resemble a boundless deep sea, mysterious and unfathomable, as if there is no visible end. This depth evokes a sense of stillness infused with latent power. This “black” not only represents the unknown world but also symbolizes the unpredictable circumstances and challenges we encounter in life.

In contrast, the white surges forward like rolling waves, powerful and unstoppable. It breaks the silence of the black, injecting movement and dramatic force into the scene. These waves seem to echo life’s turbulence—the sudden changes, hardships, and trials that compel us to confront reality head-on.

Most captivating is the vibrant touch of purple. Like sea moss growing in the depths, it persists between waves and currents, embodying a resilient and vigorous life force. Here, purple is more than a visual accent; it becomes a symbol—of endurance, of hope, and of life’s ability to thrive even in adversity.

As we contemplate this painting, we begin to see that it is not merely a depiction of the sea, but a reflection of life itself. The black deep sea represents the environment we live in; the white waves, the challenges we must face; and the purple “moss” represents who we are.

In an ever-changing world, we cannot choose every circumstance, but we can choose how we respond. Just like the purple life form in the painting that continues to grow amid stormy waters, we too must learn to adapt, to temper ourselves through trials, and to seek upward strength even in difficult situations.

With its minimalist form, this work conveys a profound truth: true growth is not gained in calm waters, but forged in the midst of surging waves.

Perhaps, the next time we face the “great waves” in our own lives, we may remember this purple moss in the deep sea—growing upward, even in the darkest depths.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/30/awakening-life-in-the-deep-an-appreciation-of-deep-sea-purple-moss/

The Water-Splashing Festival: Where Tradition, Faith, and Renewal Meet

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Every year in mid-April, the streets of Xishuangbanna and Dehong in Yunnan, China transform into a vast ocean of water.

To many, the Water-Splashing Festival is simply a joyful, all-out “water fight.” But what is often overlooked is that this grand celebration does not begin with noise or excitement—it begins with a single, quiet drop of perfumed water falling gently on the shoulder of a Buddha statue.

Today, let us step into Sangken Bimai—the New Year shared by the Dai, De’ang, and Blang peoples—and discover how traditional Chinese folk customs and Buddhist culture come together, blending seamlessly through the gentle yet powerful symbolism of water.

“Sangken Bimai” in the Dai language means “the turning of the New Year.” Its roots trace back to Sankranti, a Sanskrit term meaning “transition” or “passage,” tied to ancient Indian calendrical and religious traditions. With the spread of Theravada Buddhism, this observance took root across Southwest China and Southeast Asia, gradually evolving into a festival rich in both spiritual and cultural meaning.

Before the streets erupt in splashing water, every temple begins with a solemn and tranquil ritual: bathing the Buddha.

Devotees gather fresh flowers, soak their petals in clean water, and create a lightly scented infusion. One by one, they approach the Buddha statue, gently pouring the water over it with branches or cupped hands, symbolically washing away dust.

In this moment, there is no noise—only reverence.

This act is not merely an offering of respect to the Buddha; it is also a ritual of inner purification. It represents washing away the greed, anger, and ignorance accumulated over the past year, allowing the heart to return to clarity and light as the new year begins.

The Water-Splashing Festival typically lasts three to four days. While details vary by region, the structure follows a meaningful progression—from letting go of the old, through transition, to welcoming the new.

Day One: Farewell to the Old Year
This day resembles New Year’s Eve.

Along the Lancang River, dragon boats race across the water, sending waves splashing into the air. “Rising rockets”—traditional homemade fireworks—shoot skyward, carrying people’s wishes with them. Dressed in festive attire, people gather at lively markets filled with laughter and celebration, bidding farewell to the passing year.

Day Two: The Day Between Time
This is a deeply symbolic day—belonging neither to the old year nor yet to the new.

People building and decorating sand pagodas with flags and flowers on a beach during a festival

People visit temples to build sand stupas, shaping fine white sand into small pagodas adorned with colorful flags and flowers. Each grain of sand represents a good deed or kind thought.

This act of merit-making expresses hopes for favorable weather, peace, and stability in the coming year.

Day Three: Blessing and Rebirth Through Water
The first day of the New Year begins again with the Buddha-bathing ritual, followed by the festival’s most exuberant moment—water splashing.

For elders, water is gently poured over the shoulders as a sign of respect and blessing. Among peers and younger generations, however, the mood shifts into joyful abandon—buckets, basins, and water guns come into play, and laughter fills the air.

The more water, the deeper the blessing.

At this point, water is no longer just water—it becomes a tangible expression of good fortune and joy, symbolizing the washing away of the past and the arrival of new life.

A Celebration of Culture and Spirit

The Water-Splashing Festival is not only a holiday—it is a vibrant expression of culture.

The rhythmic beat of elephant-foot drums echoes like thunder, while the graceful peacock dance reflects harmony between humans and nature. As night falls, people release floating lanterns onto rivers and send sky lanterns drifting into the night, symbolizing the release of misfortune and the rising of hope.

IP上海 代傲辰 图

In these moments—both dynamic and still—people express reverence for nature and heartfelt wishes for the future.

One Drop of Water, A Shared Cultural World

This festival does not belong to Yunnan alone.

Across Southeast Asia, it appears under different names, yet carries the same cultural essence.

In Thailand, Songkran is not only about water—it is a time of gratitude and family connection. Younger generations gently pour scented water over the hands of elders to receive blessings, while also participating in merit-making rituals such as building sand stupas. Bright floral shirts have become a modern symbol of the celebration.

In Myanmar, the festival—known as Thingyan—has an especially strong spiritual atmosphere. Many people observe periods of fasting, visit temples, or even temporarily ordain as monks to welcome the New Year with purity and reflection. Traditional foods, such as soaked rice infused with fragrant water, are prepared, while large city celebrations feature grand stages where water is sprayed over joyful crowds.

Though names and customs vary, they all trace back to the same origin—Sankranti, marking not only the passage of time, but the renewal of life.

From the valleys of Yunnan to the cities of Southeast Asia, this single drop of water travels across geography and culture, quietly connecting the entire region.

It begins in stillness before the Buddha, and flows into laughter among people.
It symbolizes both letting go and renewal—purification and blessing.

What makes the Water-Splashing Festival so moving is not merely its liveliness, but what it reveals:

Even in the simplicity of everyday life, people continue to express kindness, cherish life, and hold hope for the future in the gentlest of ways.

A drop of water falling on the Buddha’s shoulder is an act of practice.
A splash of water shared among people is a blessing.

And when that water flows through the heart, perhaps what is truly cleansed…is ourselves.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/30/the-water-splashing-festival-where-tradition-faith-and-renewal-meet/