Tag: Philosophy

Transforming Adversity into Spiritual Growth: The Wisdom of Patience from Lama Atisha

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In our daily lives, we often fall into a harmful habit: when trouble arises, we instinctively blame others and rarely acknowledge our own karma.

Since time immemorial, we have been conditioned to look outward—to criticize and judge those around us—while seldom pausing to examine our own minds. Every surge of emotion and every lingering affliction is driven by the swelling of our own “ego.” When Buddhism speaks of “releasing the ego,” it does not mean losing yourself; rather, it encourages us to let go of our blind attachment to self-centeredness.

Consider this: setting aside the faults of others, are we truly completely blameless?

No instrument can produce music with a single part. It takes two hands clapping to make a sound; cymbals must strike together to resonate. The same principle applies to life’s conflicts—it is exceedingly rare for one person to be entirely faultless while the other is completely to blame.

Padampa Sangye, a master in the Chöd transmission lineage, once taught:

“Believing that our enemies are harming us is merely our delusion. If we can convert anger into compassion, it brings us the greatest benefit.”

Lama Atisha also imparted this wisdom:

“Do not feel hatred toward those who cause you harm. If you respond to harm with resentment, you lose the very object needed to practice patience.”

When faced with provocation or mistreatment, if we can extinguish anger and practice patience (Kshanti), we not only purify our past misdeeds but also accumulate immense merit and spiritual strength.

When Lama Atisha traveled to Tibet, the period of Buddhist persecution had passed, and the Dharma was flourishing once again. As one of India’s most revered masters, Lama Atisha was treated with supreme respect throughout Tibet. Everyone obeyed him, and no one dared to make him angry.

Yet Lama Atisha reflected: “If everyone caters to me, where will I find the opportunity to practice patience?”

Determined to cultivate patience, Lama Atisha specifically chose a servant with an exceptionally fiery temper to stay by his side. Unlike others, this servant was far from submissive—he frequently disobeyed Lama Atisha and lost his temper with him.

Seeing this, many disciples felt offended and believed that a great master should not endure such rudeness. They urged Lama Atisha to dismiss the servant. But Lama Atisha replied with deep compassion:

“This servant is of profound kindness to me! Precisely because he provokes me, he gives me the opportunity to practice patience. Otherwise, no one in Tibet would dare anger me, and I would forever lose the chance to cultivate endurance.”

If even a great master treasured adversity so deeply, shouldn’t we also view every hardship as a catalyst for our own spiritual awakening? After all, every favorable or unfavorable circumstance in life is simply the unfolding of cause and effect.

To cultivate a mind free of anger, we must deeply appreciate the infinite merit of patience:

  • When opposed, remain unperturbed
  • When hated, remain free of resentment
  • When provoked, remain calm
  • When insulted, remain tranquil

To face turmoil with equanimity—keeping the mind undisturbed and self-contained—is the true hallmark of a spiritual practitioner.

As the Buddha declared: “Non-action is supreme, and patience is the highest path.”

Among all teachings, the practice of patience stands supreme. It is the direct path to enlightenment and a priceless treasure within our own true nature.

Link:http://fcexpeacelilysite.com/2026/07/31/transforming-adversity-into-spiritual-growth-the-wisdom-of-patience-from-lama-atisha/

Finding Hope in the Dark: How Buddhist Wisdom Saved My Son and Healed My Heart

linda changLeave a comment

To every parent reading this whose heart is heavy—whether you are walking the path of raising a child with autism, navigating deep emotional distress, or feeling utterly helpless as you watch your child suffer—I want you to know: you are not alone, and there is always hope.

There was a time in my life when I believed my world was collapsing, and no human effort could fix it. My journey from sheer desperation to inner peace showed me the gentle, transformative power of compassion, self-reflection, and faith. I hope my story brings light into your heart today.

When my son entered his eighth-grade year, our home became a battleground. He was rebellious, deeply resistant to school, and consumed by anxiety. One day, after a fierce argument, I locked myself in the bathroom and cried uncontrollably. As a single mother who had sacrificed everything to raise him alone, working double duty as both mother and father, my heart felt completely broken. I wished so deeply that he would come to comfort me.

Instead, he burst through the door and shouted through his own pain, “Mom, how can you cry? I’m suffering ten thousand times more than you, and I haven’t even cried!”

I froze. My tears stopped, but my chest locked up in unbearable pain. From that moment on, my son withdrew from the world. He locked himself in his room, pulling the curtains tightly shut to block out even the daylight. He refused to go to school, refusing medication, counseling, or the advice of loved ones.

As a mother, I tried everything. I took him to doctors, changed his school, sought spiritual readings, and called on every relative he respected. Nothing worked. Despair swallowed me whole: Is my child beyond saving?

At my lowest point, a compassionate friend gently introduced me to Buddhist teachings. She encouraged me to pray for blessings, sincerely repent for my own shortcomings, and dedicate the merit of positive, wholesome deeds to my child.

At first, I held onto this like a lifeline. But my own mind was still full of attachment and anxiety. I was terrified of what colleagues would think, afraid for his future, and haunted by fear whenever I read news about youth mental health. My anxious energy radiated throughout our house. The tighter I tried to grasp and control my son’s life, the more suffocated he felt.

My friend gave me a piece of gentle wisdom that changed everything:

“Focus on your own practice first. Change your own heart, let go of attachment, and your child will naturally begin to change.”

I finally realized that my love had turned into a heavy chain of control and anxiety. True motherly love is not about clinging tightly; it is about learning to hold space with patience, grace, and compassion.

I decided to stop fixating on whether my son went to school each day. Instead, I turned inward. I surrendered my fears, practiced genuine repentance, performed acts of kindness (like freeing captive animals), and dedicated that peaceful energy to him. I replaced my anxiety with warmth and acceptance.

When my heart shifted, the atmosphere in our home softened.

Before his middle school graduation exams, when anxiety threatened to pull him down again, I invited him to join me at a temple blessing. Miraculously, he agreed. Coming home from that peaceful environment, it was as if a heavy weight had lifted from his spirit. He returned to school with a smile, passed his exams, was accepted into high school, and was even honored as an outstanding student during orientation.

Throughout his high school years, I kept up my practice of love, patience, and dedication. Step by step, my son walked out of the shadows of depression. He started working out, his personality became bright and warm, and he eventually graduated and proudly moved on to college.

A Note of Encouragement to Every Parent

Looking back at the years of tears, sleepless nights, and quiet breakdowns, I now see the deeper truth:

  • The greatest gift we can offer our children is our own peace. We cannot force a child’s mind to heal by pressure or fear. But when we cultivate a heart of unconditional love, patience, and virtue, we become a gentle light that illuminates their path.
  • Compassion dissolves fear. Buddhist teachings taught me that true strength comes from letting go of ego, practicing deep empathy, and trusting the natural unfolding of life.

To every parent caring for a child with special needs, neurodivergence, or deep mental distress: please do not give up hope. When earthly solutions feel exhausted, remember that a heart filled with sincere compassion and spiritual trust holds unimaginable power.

May you find peace within your own heart, and may that peace bring healing, light, and warmth into your home. You and your child are never truly walk alone.

Child giving a glowing heart to a smiling woman in a park

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/27/finding-hope-in-the-dark-how-buddhist-wisdom-saved-my-son-and-healed-my-heart/

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/A0MG5AkXBma9se_HnEeRSA

The Power of Faith and Compassion: How a Heartfelt Connection Brought Hope to an Autistic Child

linda changLeave a comment
Child with headphones holding a plate of decorated cookies at a birthday party in a classroom

A small act of kindness in my daughter’s classroom became the start of an extraordinary, life-changing journey.

It all began on the day my daughter brought home birthday cookies shared by her classmate, Little Bi, who has autism. As a mother, looking at the food colorings listed on the ingredient label sparked a gentle concern in me, knowing how sensitive a special child’s nervous system can be to artificial additives. I passed along a friendly note through their teacher. I never imagined that this simple act of care would build a deep bridge between our two families.

When I first met Little Bi’s mother, I could feel the deep exhaustion and anxiety she was carrying. Five-year-old Little Bi lived inside his own quiet world and had never spoken a word. To help him, his parents had sought every medical opinion and explored every avenue available. Seeing a mother willing to try absolutely anything to reach her child touched my heart profoundly.

As a practicing Buddhist following the authentic teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have personally experienced the transformative power and blessings of the Dharma. Coupled with my professional background in medical nutrition, I believed that Little Bi’s path forward required caring for both his physical body and his spiritual well-being.

With deep empathy, I shared a three-part approach with his mother:

  1. Building Faith and Receiving BlessingsI encouraged her to chant the Six-Syllable Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum), recite the Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on the Healing of Diseases, and introduce blessed Holy Water from Dharma assemblies, allowing the child to grow enveloped in the compassionate vows of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
  2. Nutritional and Physical SupportFrom a nutritional science perspective, I suggested supplementing his diet with calcium, magnesium, and probiotics to help stabilize his gut health and nervous system.
  3. Early Intervention and Creative OutletsCombining music therapy with psychological guidance to help unleash his hidden talents and foster communication.

During this period, I also dedicated the merits from my own recitation of the Water Repentance Sutra to Little Bi, praying that his obstacles would be cleared.

Through persistent effort, maternal devotion, and the compassionate blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—including the Vajra Pole blessings during the New Year assembly—the seed we planted bloomed into something truly miraculous.

Recently, Little Bi’s mother reached out to me, her voice trembling with emotion: “Little Bi spoke!”

Not only did he clearly call out to his grandmother, but on Mother’s Day, he looked at his mom and uttered the words she had longed to hear for years: “I love you, Mom.”

In that single moment, years of heartache, tears, and exhaustion melted into pure gratitude. Even his early intervention therapists were amazed by his remarkable progress, highlighting his wonderful talent for music and reassuring his mother that his silence is now a thing of the past.

A child sitting cross-legged with glowing hands around their head and shoulders, surrounded by a magical forest and ancient ruins

Little Bi’s amazing transformation reminded me of a profound truth: when we reach out with genuine compassion, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of another person’s world.

Practicing Buddhism is far more than reciting scriptures—it is about putting wisdom and compassion into practice in our daily lives. May this story bring warmth, comfort, and renewed hope to every parent navigating challenges with their children.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/24/the-power-of-faith-and-compassion-how-a-heartfelt-connection-brought-hope-to-an-autistic-child/

Praying for a Child — Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Praying for a Child — Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

I would like to share with every mother who is hoping to conceive that there is an incredibly effective way to pray for a child—the Buddha Dharma.

My precious little one was born safely in December 2016, filling my heart with immense gratitude and happiness. I have always been in poor health. Before becoming pregnant with my daughter, I had experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child. At that time, I believed I might never be able to have children again.

Fortunately, I had already begun studying the Buddha Dharma about a year before that happened. During that period, I diligently listened to the Dharma discourses of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and sincerely recited the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I dedicated the merits to the child with whom I no longer had the karmic affinity, while also praying that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me with a healthy child.

Then something truly miraculous happened. Just two months later, I became pregnant again.

During my pregnancy, I became even more diligent in listening to the Dharma and reciting the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Before each session, I would lovingly say to my baby:

“My dear little one, Mommy is about to listen to the Dharma and recite the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I invite you to join me so that we can learn together. May you grow up healthy, wise, and well-behaved. May all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless us.”

Truly, my child has grown up to be exceptionally intelligent.

While she was still in my womb, I would often communicate with her, saying:

“My little one, when it’s time for you to be born, please don’t let Mommy panic. Give Mommy enough time to prepare mentally. Also, please be born weighing between 2,900 and 3,200 grams—a healthy weight that will make delivery easier for Mommy.”

I have always been someone who is very afraid of pain. Although I eagerly looked forward to my baby’s arrival, I was also extremely anxious about childbirth. After every Dharma-listening session, I would dedicate the merits and pray that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me, because I knew the pain of childbirth was beyond what most people could imagine. I also worried that labor might begin unexpectedly before I was prepared.

Even though I had made every preparation, I still felt somewhat nervous.

On my due date, I went directly to the hospital to be induced. That day, I arrived at the hospital calmly and without panic to give birth—an experience I will never forget.

The labor ward was filled with the anguished cries of other mothers in labor. Hearing their suffering brought tears to my eyes. My husband, who was by my side, could hardly eat a bite and quietly fought back tears himself. Their cries were so heart-rending that even those nearby could deeply feel the tremendous pain these mothers were enduring.

During the induction process, I felt only mild discomfort. After receiving the epidural anesthesia, I experienced almost no pain at all. Eventually, the nurse said to me:

“You’re fully dilated and ready to deliver! It’s time to go into the delivery room. Don’t you feel anything?”

I replied,

“Honestly, I don’t feel much at all—just a little pressure.”

At that moment, however, I became afraid that because I couldn’t really feel the contractions, I wouldn’t know how to push. I worried that I might not be able to deliver naturally and would end up needing a cesarean section. The fear I felt was difficult to describe.

Even so, I was probably the quietest mother in the entire labor ward.

Then, in the midst of my fear, I suddenly seemed to hear a voice saying:

“The more fearful you are, the more important it is to remain calm.”

I closed my eyes, visualized the compassionate holy image of the Buddha Master, and continuously recited:

“Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.”

As I was wheeled into the delivery room, another miracle occurred.

Less than ten minutes after entering the delivery room, my baby was born.

Throughout the entire delivery, I felt virtually no pain at all. It was nothing like the agonizing, hellish pain that many people describe.

Even one of the nurses assisting me remarked,

“How did she do that? Just a moment ago she didn’t even know how to push…”

(To this day, I still find it astonishing myself.)

Even more amazingly, my baby’s birth weight was exactly 3,000 grams—precisely what I had hoped for. She was born healthy and safe.

I am profoundly grateful for the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The entire childbirth process went remarkably smoothly, and my daughter has grown up to be an easygoing and well-behaved child.

I deeply understand that everything I experienced was made possible through the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The empowering strength of the Buddha Dharma was something I experienced personally—it was real, tangible, and unmistakable.

With the deepest gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions.

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Humbly written by the remorseful disciple,

TINGYUN

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2026/07/20/praying-for-a-child-gratitude-to-namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #MasterWanKoYee #BuddhaDharma #BuddhistTeachings #Gratitude #DharmaExperience #SpiritualTransformation #BuddhistPractice #Cultivation #Compassion

The Day a Tiny Dove Saved Our Lives: Why Every Act of Kindness Returns to Us

linda changLeave a comment

Have you ever wondered if the tiny, seemingly insignificant kind choices we make in our daily lives actually matter? I used to think of the saying “Do not look down upon a tiny good deed, thinking it is of no use” as just a pleasant piece of ancient moral advice.

That was until a rainy afternoon in May, when a single act of compassion became the only reason my husband and I survived a catastrophic accident.

It was a drizzly May afternoon. My husband and I were driving to the countryside to deliver fresh cherries to my mother. The rain swept gently across the windshield as swallows dipped and glided low over the road. Watching them, I quietly reminded myself to drive slowly—I didn’t want to hurt any of these precious little creatures.

Suddenly, a grey spotted dove appeared right in the middle of the road.

Usually, wild animals will instinctively scatter or fly away when they sense an approaching vehicle. But this dove was different. Even as the shadow of our car drew close, it continued to stroll leisurely along the asphalt, completely unbothered and showing no intention of dodging.

Instead of honking or rushing, I gently pressed the brakes. We sat in silence, waiting patiently as the little bird took its sweet time, ambling step by step toward the roadside. Watching its cute, bobbing silhouette, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled. We shared the same unspoken belief: all living beings are equal, animals are our companions on this Earth, and we must never harm a vulnerable life.

We had no idea that those brief seconds we spent waiting for the dove would save us from absolute disaster.

Shortly after the dove cleared the road, we began driving up a sloping hill. Out of nowhere, a massive, ten-meter-long cargo truck appeared from the opposite direction.

Because of the slick, rain-soaked road, the truck driver hit the brakes too hard. In an instant, the heavy vehicle lost control. The massive trailer began to fishtail violently, swinging outward like an unbroken stallion. The giant iron rear of the truck swept directly into our lane, accompanied by a shower of flying debris and rain. It was a terrifying sight.

Our car is a tiny Wuling Mini EV—lightweight, compact, and fragile. To our left was a steep mountain wall; to our right, a sheer cliff. If that heavy, high-speed truck bed made contact with us, our tiny car would have been instantly crushed and sent hurtling over the edge of the cliff.

I gripped the steering wheel as my mind went completely blank. Beside me, my husband froze in terror. We watched the massive steel wall of the truck sweeping toward us, completely helpless as the cold fear of death enveloped us.

Right at that split second—at the absolute boundary between life and death—something miraculous happened.

The violently fishtailing truck suddenly seemed to correct itself. With a massive lurch, it snapped back into its own lane. Carrying its remaining momentum, the giant vehicle brushed past our car with mere inches to spare, stabilized, and quietly rolled away into the rainy mist.

The heart-stopping crisis had arrived without warning, and it vanished just as miraculously.

For a long time, my husband and I sat frozen in the car. Neither of us could utter a single word. Our hearts hammered violently against our ribs. My palms were drenched in cold sweat, and my legs trembled so hard I couldn’t even press the gas pedal. After what felt like an eternity, we finally turned to look at each other. In our panicked, wide-eyed stares, we both realized just how close we had come to dying.

As the adrenaline began to fade, a profound realization washed over me.

If we hadn’t listened to our hearts and paused for that tiny dove, our car would have traveled just a few dozen meters further up the road. We would have been positioned exactly at the fatal bend at the exact millisecond the truck lost control. There would have been absolutely no way to survive.

That slow, stubborn little dove, in its own unique way, had held us back just long enough to shield us from a catastrophic tragedy.

A glowing girl in a blue dress protecting a small village under a magical dome during a storm

An ancient proverb says:

“If a person loves kindness, though fortune may not have arrived yet, disaster is already far away.”

Experiencing this brush with death made me truly understand the depth of those words. Every kind thought we harbor and every gentle deed we perform plants a seed. We may not see them grow immediately, but they accumulate.

The quiet kindness we put out into the world acts like a small, steady lantern in the dark. When we least expect it—when we face unforeseen dangers or find ourselves standing on the edge of an abyss—that accumulated goodwill quietly steps in to protect us, shielding us from the disasters we never saw coming.

All blessings begin with a kind heart. To live with compassion is to carry the greatest shield of all.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/17/the-day-a-tiny-dove-saved-our-lives-why-every-act-of-kindness-returns-to-us/

Source :https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid027E5vXivbEB83pWyWkwyQEXHCz5LH1K8HY3wa17MXDgwnC6VJoi6c1Ps41wPG5tT1l&id=100087521855455&mibextid=wwXIfr&_rdr

The Art of Disconnecting: Why Strategic Solitude and Meditation Are Your Ultimate Superpowers

linda changLeave a comment
Glowing figure meditating on a floating island surrounded by ethereal spirits and cosmic energy.

In a world where our pockets buzz every three seconds and notifications constantly hijack our attention, when was the last time you sat quietly with yourself?

We live under the collective illusion that hyper-connectivity equals success. We say “yes” to every social gathering, push ourselves to be extroverted at work, and wear our busyness like a badge of honor. But have you ever noticed the profound sense of emptiness and exhaustion that creeps in after the crowd disperses?

The truth is, modern society doesn’t have a connection deficit. We have a solitude deficit. What we truly lack is the courage to intentionally step away, embrace quietness, and meditate.

For millennia, humans have recognized the sacred link between solitude and mental clarity. From Eastern Zen practices to Western monastic traditions, sages have echoed the same truth: To understand the nature of reality and find your true self, you must first learn to be alone.

Today, cutting-edge neuroscience is finally catching up to this ancient wisdom, revealing what happens to our brains when we unplug:

  • The Myth of “Social Rest”: When we are around others, our brains automatically activate a “social tracking” network to read facial expressions, body language, and social cues. It’s a vital human instinct, but it’s also a constant source of cognitive drain.
  • True Neurological Recovery: It is only when we are genuinely alone that the brain can drop its social armor, deactivate its defense mechanisms, and enter a state of true restorative rest.

We’ve been conditioned to view daydreaming or doing “nothing” as a waste of time. Science proves the exact opposite. When you eliminate external stimuli and let your mind wander freely, your brain kicks into its Default Mode Network (DMN) to perform critical maintenance:

Neon glowing brain with interconnected circuit lines and digital icons above a futuristic city

Heightened Empathy: Introspection allows us to process complex emotions, ultimately increasing our capacity for empathy and strengthening our relationships with others.

Enhanced Memory Consolidation: An untethered mind actively processes experiences, transforming short-term data into long-term memories.

This brings us to a fascinating psychological paradox: Intentionally choosing solitude actually supercharges our focus when we return to the world. Allowing your mind to drift during quiet moments is the secret weapon to maintaining long-term, high-level productivity.

In her groundbreaking book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain champions the profound impact of “deliberate, productive solitude.”

Modern corporate culture loves to worship the myth of the brainstorming session, pushing the narrative that creativity only sparks in noisy, collaborative open offices. But Cain challenges this notion head-on:

“Cultivating true creativity requires sustained focus and deep, uninterrupted concentration.”

As social creatures, we are incredibly susceptible to peer influence. When we stay in a crowd, we unconsciously compromise, absorbing the collective opinions, biases, and aesthetic preferences of the group.

To pioneer a truly original concept, build a unique philosophy, or discover your authentic voice, you must walk away from the crowd—at least for a little while.

You don’t need to move to a cabin in the woods to reap these benefits. You can reclaim your mental sovereignty right now through micro-habits of meditation and intentional solitude:

1. The 10-Minute Daily Digital Fast

Find a quiet corner, switch your phone to airplane mode, and spend ten minutes focusing solely on your breath. This isn’t about achieving spiritual enlightenment; it is simply about taking your brain “offline” and halting the constant evaluation of the outside world.

2. Schedule a Non-Negotiable “Date with Yourself”

Block out one to two hours every week on your calendar. Go to a café alone, take a solo walk in nature, or read a book without checking your phone. Learn to politely decline low-value social obligations and invest that time into the most important person in your life: you.

In a world that refuses to be quiet, solitude is not isolation, and meditation is not an escape.

They are the highest forms of modern self-discipline. They are the ultimate antidotes to chaos, allowing us to preserve our sanity, sharpen our focus, and unlock our deepest creative potential.

The next time you choose silence over noise, remember: you aren’t missing out on the world. You are simply meeting a more creative, fulfilled, and powerful version of yourself.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/16/the-art-of-disconnecting-why-strategic-solitude-and-meditation-are-your-ultimate-superpowers/

Impermanence Is Always Near

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Impermanence Is Always Near

Unexpected events can arise at any moment in our daily lives. Impermanence is constantly with us, whether we are aware of it or not.

One evening, the weather was pleasantly cool. As usual, I was watching my child play with friends in our community. Seeing them happily absorbed in their games, I took out my phone and began browsing some news and information.

Suddenly, I heard an elderly man exclaim, “The child has been hurt from the fall!” I immediately looked up and saw my child crying uncontrollably several meters away. I rushed over and discovered that another child had accidentally knocked her to the ground. A large bump had already formed on her head.

It happened so quickly. In just a moment of inattention, an accident occurred.

That night, as I watched my child sleeping peacefully, I could not stop thinking about how she had cried in pain, tears covering her face. My heart ached for her. Just moments before, she had been a carefree child, full of laughter and joy. Yet in an instant, everything changed.

What if she had been seriously injured?

This incident reminded me of something that happened to my mother in 2020. She was in her seventies when she fell from a three-wheeled vehicle. During a turn, she was thrown from the vehicle and landed heavily on the ground. She could barely move afterward. A CT scan revealed that four ribs had been fractured, and her face was severely bruised and swollen. For days, the pain was so intense that she repeatedly said she could not endure it.

Surreal cosmic scene with glowing pathways, planets, swirling colorful nebulae, and small ethereal figures walking

Reflecting on these experiences, I realized how unpredictable life truly is. Accidents and misfortunes can happen to anyone, at any time. This is the reality of impermanence.

In the Dharma discourse What Is Cultivation?, Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III teaches:

“Without an awareness of impermanence, one cannot enter the Buddhist path. Even after entering it, one cannot engage in correct cultivation.”

These words prompted me to examine myself more deeply. Although I have studied Buddhism for many years, I realized that I had not truly developed a profound awareness of impermanence.

When I quietly reflected on my life, I saw that impermanence is everywhere. We age without noticing it. White hairs gradually appear. Our bodies lose their former strength. Family members and friends whom we once shared life with gradually depart from this world.

There is nothing we can do to stop time. We cannot bring back those who have passed away, nor can we prevent our own lives from eventually coming to an end.

Life lasts only as long as a single breath. Impermanence can arrive in a single instant.

Every day, we witness unexpected tragedies — accidents, natural disasters, illnesses, economic hardships, and countless unforeseen changes. No matter how much wealth, status, or success a person possesses, no one is exempt from the uncertainties of life.

As long as we remain within the cycle of samsara, impermanence will continue to accompany us.

This realization led me to ask myself: If my life were to end unexpectedly today, where would I go?

The thought was sobering.

I therefore made a sincere vow to cherish this rare and precious human life and to practice even more diligently the authentic Tathagata Dharma transmitted by Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. May I attain liberation in this very lifetime, transcend the cycle of reincarnation, and ultimately realize lasting happiness and freedom.

Written by: Xue Xin

Edited by: Li Ju Ban Kai and Zhi Ma Kai Hua

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2026/07/13/impermanence-is-always-near/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #MasterWanKoYee #Impermanence #BuddhistTeachings #BuddhaDharma #SpiritualAwakening #SelfCultivation #Karma #BuddhistWisdom #LifeReflection

The surprising truth about loneliness

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By Claudia Hammond profile image

By Claudia Hammond

The reality of feeling alone is not what many people think. Claudia Hammond, who instigated a survey called the BBC Loneliness Experiment, explores five counterintuitive findings.

About the results

The findings in this article are based on an online survey of 55,000 people from around the world, called the BBC Loneliness Experiment. It was created by academics at three British universities in collaboration with Wellcome Collection.

1. Younger people feel lonelier than older people

When you picture someone who’s lonely, the stereotype is often an older person who lives alone and hardly sees anyone. Indeed, in the BBC Loneliness Experiment, 27% of over 75s said they often or very often feel lonely. This is higher than in some surveys, but because the survey was online we had a self-selecting sample and might have attracted more people who feel lonely.

Yet the differences between age groups are striking. Levels of loneliness were actually highest among 16-24 year olds, with 40% saying they often or very often feel lonely.

This begs the question of why so many young people say they feel lonely. Perhaps they are more prepared to admit to feelings of loneliness than older people who might feel they need to stress their independence. But it was noticeable that when everyone was asked at which point in their life they’d felt lonely, even retrospectively the most common answer people gave was when they were young adults.

Tired scholar with hands on head reading an old book by candlelight

So it’s not necessarily modern life that’s making young people feel lonelier, but factors associated with being young itself. Although we might think of the ages of 16-24 as a time of new freedom to have fun, leaving school and having more control over your life, it’s also a time of transition – moving away from home, starting college, starting a new job – all of which take you away from the friends you’ve grown up with. At the same time people are trying to work out who they are and where they fit into the world.

In addition to this, people aren’t accustomed to these feelings of loneliness and haven’t yet had the experience to know that they often pass, or to the chance to find ways to cope with those feelings, such as distracting themselves or looking for company.  

2. 41% of people think loneliness can be positive

This finding fits in with the ideas of people such as the late neuroscientist John Cacioppo, who believed that we evolved to experience loneliness because it can be useful, even though it’s so unpleasant. Humans have survived through forming co-operative groups. If people feel they are excluded from a group then feelings of loneliness might drive them to connect with people, finding new friends or rekindling old relationships.

The problem is that it can become chronic, with a serious impact on well-being and maybe even on health.

Feelings of chronic loneliness are associated with an increased risk of depression a year later. It was striking that in the survey, although 41% of all the participants said loneliness could be positive, this rate dropped to 31% in those who told us they often feel lonely. Loneliness can be so miserable and distressing, that when it’s long-lasting it can be hard to see any positive side.   

3. People who feel lonely have social skills that are no better or worse than average

Sometimes it’s assumed that people feel lonely because they’ve found it hard to make friends and help with improving social skills would make a difference. This isn’t what we found. A key element of social interaction is the ability to tell what other people are feeling, so that you can adjust your responses accordingly. Perhaps they’re worried about something or you’ve accidentally offended them.

One way of measuring this skill is to give people a series of full faces or even just pairs of eyes to assess how good they are at working out which emotion people are experiencing. There was no difference between the average scores of the people who often felt lonely and the people who didn’t.  There were differences in scores on neuroticism, so perhaps it’s the anxiety provoked by social situations that can make them harder to cope with if you feel lonely, rather than social skills.

4. Winter is no lonelier than any other time of year

Getty Images People report loneliness in all seasons, not just winter (Credit: Getty Images)
People report loneliness in all seasons, not just winter (Credit: Getty Images)

In the run-up to Christmas, you often see campaigns from charities who help the elderly featuring picture of isolated old people. It’s a day of the year that’s all about gathering with your loved ones to celebrate, so the idea of facing the day alone is something a lot of people would dread. British comedian Sarah Millican runs a very successful #joinin campaign on Twitter on Christmas Day so that people who feel lonely can chat to each other. And if you live in the northern hemisphere then Christmas also falls in the middle of winter when days are shortest and people stay in more, leaving you even more isolated if you feel lonely.

But we found that for many who feel lonely, winter is no worse than any other time of year. We asked people to tell us the time of year and the time of day when they felt loneliest. More than two thirds of people said winter was no lonelier than any other time of year. The minority of people who did say one particular time of year is lonelier chose winter, but a few even chose summer. At Christmas, many people go to great lengths to ensure that everyone is included, inviting friends over if they know they might be alone. But in summer if everyone else goes on holiday, you might be the one feeling left behind. So perhaps we should start wondering whether other people might be lonely all year round, instead of just at Christmas.  

5. People who often feel lonely have higher levels of empathy than everyone else

In the survey two kinds of empathy were measured. One was empathy for people’s physical pain – how sorry you feel for someone who has accidentally slammed their hand in a door, picked up a scalding frying pan or been stung by a wasp. The other was how much empathy you have for other people’s social pain – for someone who’s been bullied at school, not invited to a party or dumped by their partner.  

There was no difference in empathy for physical pain between the people who felt more or less lonely. But the people who said they often or very often felt lonely scored higher on average for empathy for social pain. Maybe because they have experienced for themselves what it feels like to be left out, they empathise more with other people who find themselves in the same situation.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/13/the-surprising-truth-about-loneliness/

Source: https://www.bbc.com/ukchina/trad/vert-fut-45930977

2026 Dharma Ceremony Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

linda changLeave a comment

Lotus Button Holy Guru Mozhi’s Speech

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With utmost sincerity, let us pay obeisance!

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha!

Namo Yuhua Shouzhi Wang Holy Mother the Great Mahasattva!

Namo all Buddhas in the ten directions, Vajra Beings, Bodhisattvas, Sky-goers, and Dharma Protectors!

We are gathered here today with utmost piety, sincerity, and gratitude to respectfully honor the holy birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. On this auspicious day, we reminisce about Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III with the deepest reverence. We are profoundly grateful to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III for bringing to all living beings magnificent Buddha Dharma and perfect accomplishment in the Five Vidyās. We are immensely thankful for the auspicious opportunity to respectfully listen to the audio recordings of the true Dharma expounded by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, and to study the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.” They are supreme Dharma treasures!

Buddhist disciples know deep in their hearts that the goal of learning from Buddha and practicing cultivation is absolutely not about fame or fortune. Rather, it is to attain accomplishment and liberation, and be delivered from the cycle of birth and death. This is why, as Buddhist disciples, we must always remind ourselves that our cultivation must not be mere lip service or formality. Truly learning from Buddha is about practicing in accordance with the true Dharma, guiding our own conduct with correct knowledge and right views, walking the path of liberation, and benefiting all living beings.

During this Dharma-ending age, confused knowledge and chaotic views abound, and evil teachings proliferate. Without right faith, we are extremely likely to get lost. Having right faith is not just about believing in the magnificent compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It involves understanding and believing in causality, and deeply believing that Buddha Dharma can enable all living beings to achieve true deliverance from suffering and the attainment of joy. It is about steadfastly applying the teachings of the Buddha in our own cultivation.

Therefore, we must place our complete reliance on the teachings in the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.” This Sutra Collection is the vital refuge that guides all living beings in their cultivation practice, leading them toward liberation. We must study the Sutras with reverence, respectfully listen to audio recordings of the Dharmas expounded by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, practice in accordance with the teachings, strictly abide by the precepts, and earnestly cultivate ourselves. We must resolve to propagate the true Buddha Dharma, enable more living beings to listen to the true Dharma, uphold the right views, and walk the true path of cultivation.

Speaking of learning and propagating the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection,” we are deeply aware that many native English speakers have been looking forward to studying an accurate and complete translation. I, too, sincerely wish for the English translations to be published as soon as possible, so that more living beings can learn the true Dharma and develop the right views. Translating the Sutras is a profoundly reverential and serious undertaking. In the process, we have encountered many adverse karmic conditions and obstacles. However, no matter how great the difficulties and challenges, we should vigorously drive the English translation forward with utmost reverence, a devoted sense of responsibility, and unwavering determination. In doing so, we wish to enable many more living beings with affinity to encounter the true Dharma, learn the true Dharma, and walk the path of liberation.

All of us should clearly understand that a Buddha’s descent into this world and entry into Parinirvana are due to the good karmic rewards, causes and conditions, and shared karma of all living beings. The coming of the Dharma-ending age is due to the causality and shared karma of all living beings. We can therefore understand that nothing escapes causality. Likewise, it is by virtue of our own causality that we have the opportunity to learn from Buddha and practice cultivation in this lifetime, so as to attain liberation and accomplishment.

The Buddhas compassionately expounded the true Dharma, pointing living beings toward the path of liberation. Even though Buddha Dharma can lead us onto the path of liberation, it cannot replace our own cultivation. Liberation cannot be attained through pleading or waiting; nor is it something that can be bestowed upon us. It must come through our own genuine cultivation, accumulated day by day.

A person who wishes to cross a river will never reach the other shore if they refuse to board the raft ready to take them. A person who is lost will not reach their destination if they do not move forward when pointed in the right direction. The same applies to learning from Buddha and practicing cultivation. Ultimately, truly moving step by step toward the other shore is something only we can do for ourselves.

This is why we must always reflect upon what we do with our body, speech, and mind, sincerely repent of our own sins, strictly abide by the precepts, earnestly cultivate our conduct, and diligently practice Dharma. We must not do any bad deeds, and do all kinds of good deeds. Only by applying Buddha Dharma in our daily lives can we truly transform what we learn from the Dharma into virtue and merit, and reap the benefits. Only then can we continue to make progress, and eventually attain liberation and accomplishment!

Moreover, not only must we cultivate ourselves to attain liberation, but we must also give rise to a mind of great compassion and beneficence. We must apply our own cultivation to uphold, protect, and propagate the true Dharma. We must enable more living beings with karmic affinity to listen to the true Dharma, increase their merit and wisdom, and together plant the cause of liberation.

Finally, may all living beings fulfill their kind wishes, increase their merit and wisdom, live auspiciously, and soon attain liberation!

May all nations flourish and all countries enjoy stability! May there be peace on earth, may the true Dharma eternally abide, and may the Dharma wheel turn forever!

Let us once again pay obeisance!

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha!

Namo Yuhua Shouzhi Wang Holy Mother the Great Mahasattva!

Namo all Buddhas in the ten directions, Vajra Beings, Bodhisattvas, Sky-goers, and Dharma Protectors!

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/10/2026-dharma-ceremony-honoring-the-holy-birthday-of-namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Source: http://www.chinesenewsusa.com/news/Article_Content.aspx?artid=10248&fbclid=IwY2xjawS-UqZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegYXLoEH7-QCKALgOKUtjXGkO2_HDcPDytJplnBlU060NxMMp-XhFmHE6-0w_aem_hNR7eSKymPFVt6kz3H4RHg

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My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

linda changLeave a comment

Photo from: http://www.chinesenewsusa.com/news/Article_Content.aspx?artid=10248&fbclid=IwY2xjawS-S2ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSkr6pdoEgUYNWdFPRBjC7BZ1EP_nGN-QY5XkMBwqnv90EQEmN2WChwdsC2g_aem_nvZifTUJ7sIVjf0zRdXqDQ

Before attending the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, I knew very little about Buddhism and had never participated in such a large-scale Buddhist event. I accepted an invitation out of curiosity, expecting to observe a traditional religious ceremony. What I experienced, however, far exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression on me.

From the moment I entered the venue, I sensed an atmosphere of dignity, serenity, and profound respect. The beautifully arranged altar, the graceful floral decorations, and the orderly seating reflected meticulous preparation. Despite the large number of attendees, everything proceeded with remarkable precision and harmony. Volunteers guided participants with genuine warmth and courtesy, always wearing welcoming smiles and patiently assisting anyone who needed help.

What amazed me most was the extraordinary level of organization. Every part of the Dharma Assembly unfolded smoothly and reverently. There was no confusion or disorder, even though people from many countries and cultural backgrounds had gathered together. The entire event demonstrated an impressive spirit of cooperation, discipline, and mutual respect that is rarely seen at gatherings of this size.

My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III
My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

As I observed the ceremony, I was touched by the sincerity of everyone present. The participants were not merely attending an event—they were expressing heartfelt reverence and offering prayers for world peace, the well-being of humanity, and the happiness of all living beings. It was inspiring to witness so many people united by compassion and goodwill rather than personal interests.

Although I am not a disciple of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, attending this Dharma Assembly gave me an opportunity to learn more about Him and the values that His teachings encourage. As I listened to those around me speak about His teachings and observed the compassion, humility, and kindness reflected throughout the event, I began to understand why so many people deeply respect and appreciate Him. The atmosphere itself conveyed a powerful message—that genuine spiritual practice should inspire people to become more compassionate, more considerate of others, and more dedicated to creating harmony in society.

One aspect that particularly moved me was the selfless dedication of the volunteers. They worked quietly behind the scenes without seeking recognition, ensuring that every participant felt welcomed and cared for. Their humility, patience, and willingness to serve others demonstrated values that many people, regardless of their religious beliefs, would admire and respect.

My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III
My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III
My First Experience at the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

As the Dharma Assembly came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the experience. In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities to witness such sincerity, harmony, and mutual respect are increasingly rare. This gathering was much more than a ceremonial celebration; it was a powerful reminder that kindness, compassion, and selfless service have the ability to bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.

I left the venue with a heart full of admiration and gratitude. Although I came simply as a visitor, I departed with a much deeper appreciation for the positive influence that Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has had on so many people’s lives. Seeing thousands of individuals inspired to cultivate kindness, serve others, and pray for the well-being of the world was deeply moving.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this remarkable Dharma Assembly. It was an unforgettable experience that broadened my understanding of Buddhism and demonstrated how genuine compassion and harmony can unite people from all walks of life. The solemnity of the ceremony, the exceptional organization, and the sincere spirit of everyone present will remain in my memory for years to come.

Emily Lee

July 3, 2026

Link: https://myhappylifestyle.net/2026/07/08/my-first-experience-at-the-dharma-assembly-honoring-the-holy-birthday-of-namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

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