Tag: Philosophy

The Recognition of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: Does a Buddha Need to Be Recognized?

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The Recognition of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: Does a Buddha Need to Be Recognized?

The Recognition of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: Does a Buddha Need to Be Recognized?

Worldwide Recognition of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III by Eminent Buddhist Leaders

Recognitions and Congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

When over a hundred great Dharma Kings, Regents, and Rinpoches from various Buddhist traditions throughout the world lawfully recognized, in accordance with Buddhist precepts, that Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the reincarnation of the ancient Buddha, Buddhist disciples around the globe rejoiced in celebration. The descent of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III brings to the beings of this Dharma-ending age the correct and unerring True Dharma of the Tathagata that leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. How fortunate living beings are to personally hear the teachings of the Buddha — there is now hope for attaining enlightenment in this very lifetime!

Online Slander and Misunderstanding of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Holy State

However, some people on the internet refuse to face the legitimate recognitions, the holy realization, and the perfect mastery of the Five Vidyās and teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III with reason or correct understanding. Instead, they fabricate rumors, spread insults, slander, defamation, and false accusations — maliciously twisting facts, inventing lies, and making baseless claims. They use vulgar words, forge fake documents, false notices, and false statements, and even create distorted images and mocking content — doing everything they can to attack H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Through their own words and actions, they merely expose their ignorance and lack of virtue.

Some say, “A Buddha or Bodhisattva is realized through practice, not by ‘recognition.’” “Shakyamuni Buddha didn’t need a certificate of recognition.” But their purpose is clear — to stop more people from learning the true Buddha Dharma and attaining liberation!

So, does a Buddha need recognition when descending into the world?

A Practice for the Benefit of Sentient Beings.

A Buddha is one of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment and complete wisdom. The reason one is a Buddha lies in their realization and enlightenment — not because of any recognition by others. No matter how great a Dharma King, Regent, or Rinpoche may be, their level of realization is far inferior to that of a Buddha; thus, any recognition they offer to a Buddha would be, in essence, just a piece of paper of no value to the Buddha.

However, because sentient beings in this world often lack the wisdom to discern between true and false saints, between genuine Buddha Dharma and false teachings that imitate Buddhism, they may easily be misled by superficial appearances and deviant views. Therefore, for the benefit of sentient beings, by following the Buddhist tradition of formal recognition, those virtuous masters issued such recognitions that help people give rise to faith and thus be saved. This is an act of right knowledge and right view.

The Example of Master Padmasambhava and the Importance of Recognition

Master Padmasambhava
Master Padmasambhava

When Master Padmasambhava first went to Tibet to propagate the Dharma, he was not greeted with respectful welcoming crowds. Instead, the Tibetan people were terrified and shouted, “Quick! Drive out this sorcerer who performs strange magic without lineage transmission! Do not let him deceive us with his witchcraft!” They even lifted him up and threw him into a muddy pit. Later, Master Padmasambhava returned to India and asked two renowned masters to write letters of recognition. Only then did Buddhism begin to flourish in Tibet. In fact, those two masters later became Master Padmasambhava’s disciples.

Therefore, when Buddhas or Bodhisattvas reincarnate and manifest again in this world, undergoing recognition according to Buddhist rules is not for their own sake, but for the sake of helping sentient beings generate faith and thereby be liberated.

The Supreme Conduct and Realization of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Indeed, the realization and attainment of a Buddha or Bodhisattva come from their own cultivation and enlightenment. The realization, virtue, and attainment of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are the manifestation of their supreme enlightenment. The pure and flawless conduct of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, His mastery of both exoteric and esoteric teachings, His perfect command of the Five Vidyās, and His countless acts of liberating sentient beings — all fully demonstrate the enlightenment and realization of a true Buddha!

Therefore, I sincerely advise those who slander: repent sincerely before the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or karmic retribution will not spare you! At the same time, I compassionately remind all who truly wish to learn and practice Buddhism: we live in the Dharma ending age, when confusion prevails, and the nature of the demonic offspring is to destroy the Dharma and obstruct sentient beings from learning the true path. Kind-hearted beings, please open your eyes of wisdom, discern the true from the false, and do not be deceived by demonic forces — lest you miss the supreme Dharma opportunity that can bring you liberation from birth and death in this very lifetime!

Source: https://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/the-recognition-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-does-a-buddha-need-to-be-recognized/

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2025/11/17/the-recognition-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-does-a-buddha-need-to-be-recognized/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #TrueDharma #Buddhism #Vajradhara #LivingBuddha #BuddhistWisdom #BuddhaRecognition #ModernBuddhism

Ven. Junmai Baima Dorje Rinpoche：H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the true Buddha Vajradhara, the teacher of both humans and celestial beings!

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Ven. Junmai Baima Dorje Rinpoche is a nirmanakaya of Vajravarahi. He is the fourth Ven. Baima Dorje Rinpoche. Various auspicious signs manifested at the birth of the rinpoche. When the rinpoche was five years old, the national master of Bhutan, H.H. Dharma King Dilgo Khyentse, personally signed and issued a recognition certificate recognizing the identity of the rinpoche. H.H. Dharma King Penor and H.E. Dharma King Rabjam also personally wrote recognition certificates.

At the age of about three, the child rinpoche used two fingers to transform a small, thick Tibetan knife into the shape of a coil. After passing through many hands, that knife is now at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, where a special place for that holy object has been established to display it for public worship and veneration. The rinpoche currently resides at the Shechen Monastery. He has received initiations from the esoteric lineage of H.H. the 10 th Panchen Lama and other persons of great holiness and virtue. The rinpoche benefits all living beings by applying the wisdom and realization of a Bodhisattva.

I respectfully honor the Three Bodies and Four Wisdoms of the Dharma King of the Three Spheres, H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu:
We were fortunate to be able to read the book about the Buddha Vajradhara Dharma King, A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma — A Collection of H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s Accomplishments Manifesting Complete Proficiency in Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism and Perfect Mastery of the Five Vidyas . We cannot describe how deeply astonished and moved we were. Those thirty main categories of accomplishments present a splendid sight that includes the cikitsvidya (healing vidya), silpakarmasthanavidya (craftsmanship vidya), sabdavidya (sound vidya), adhyatmavidya (inner realization vidya), and hetuvidya (causality or Buddhist logic vidya) in their holy sense. Such accomplishments have never been seen before in the history of Buddhism. A Treasury of True Buddha- Dharma is the highest Buddha-dharma treasure and manifests H.H. Great Dharma King’s supreme realization and virtue. H.H. Great Dharma King is the first holy being who used true realization to display fully in the dharma realm the teachings of the Buddha! H.H. Great Dharma King is the true Buddha Vajradhara, the teacher of both humans and celestial beings! In this Dharma-Ending Age, we are deeply happy that living beings in the earthly realm have the guidance of H.H. Great Dharma King.
May H.H. Great Dharma King forever live in the world and forever teach the dharma!

Junmai Baima Dorje
May 10. 2006

LinkL:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/17/ven-junmai-baima-dorje-rinpoche%ef%bc%9ah-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-is-the-true-buddha-vajradhara-the-teacher-of-both-humans-and-celestial-beings/

Your Own Resolution: Living Lincoln’s Legacy Today

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How Abraham Lincoln’s words remind us that perseverance begins within.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”
— Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is remembered not only as one of America’s greatest presidents but also as a timeless symbol of perseverance, moral strength, and inner conviction. His life was marked by hardship and failure, yet through every setback, Lincoln never lost sight of his determination to rise above circumstance and serve a higher purpose.

Born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln’s path was anything but easy. He had little formal education, often studying by firelight after long days of farm work. Throughout his early years, he faced financial difficulties, career failures, and deep personal losses — including the death of his beloved mother and, later, two of his children.

He failed in business, lost several elections, and faced harsh criticism from both supporters and opponents. Yet each time, he stood back up. His perseverance was not fueled by ego or ambition, but by a steadfast belief in purpose — the belief that doing what is right matters more than comfort or success.

Lincoln’s life reminds us that greatness is not born of ease, but of endurance.

“Your Own Resolution Is More Important Than Any Other”

When Lincoln spoke these words, he wasn’t offering mere encouragement — he was revealing a universal truth about the power of inner determination.

In life, we will always face opinions, expectations, and pressures from the world around us. People may doubt us, situations may discourage us, and even our own fears may whisper that we are not enough.
But Lincoln reminds us: what truly determines our path is not what others think, but what we resolve to do.

Our resolution — that unwavering inner decision to keep moving forward — becomes the compass that guides us through storms.

It is what pushes a student to keep learning after failing an exam, an artist to keep creating despite rejection, or a parent to keep loving and protecting despite exhaustion. It is what allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

In today’s world of instant gratification and constant comparison, Lincoln’s wisdom feels more relevant than ever.
We often measure ourselves by the world’s standards — success, wealth, recognition — and forget that true strength comes from within.

When we cultivate resolution, we learn to stand firm in uncertainty.
We begin to trust our purpose more than our fears.
We stop seeking validation from others, and start building quiet confidence from persistence and integrity.

Lincoln’s life teaches us that no matter how dark the moment, perseverance can bring light.
His story shows that success is not defined by how often we win, but by how often we rise after falling.

To live by Lincoln’s words is to live with courage — not the absence of fear, but the determination to act despite it.
It means believing in our capacity to grow, to change, and to make a difference, no matter how small our beginnings.

When challenges arise — whether in our work, relationships, or personal goals — we can remind ourselves of Lincoln’s steady faith in resolution.
The world may test us, but as long as we hold our own conviction close, we will find a way forward.

Lincoln’s words have always spoken deeply to me.
Whenever I face uncertainty or moments of self-doubt, I remind myself of his quiet strength — how he stood tall not because life was kind, but because his heart was steady.

His quote, “Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other,” reminds me that motivation is not something we wait for — it is something we choose, moment by moment.
And in choosing it, we slowly build the courage to move forward again, with hope and purpose.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/13/your-own-resolution-living-lincolns-legacy-today/

Compassion in Action: Life Release Day Observed Through Prayer, Education, and Service

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November 4, 2025 San Francisco Post

Photo Courtesy: Hua Zang Si (Community members unite across California to honor the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha, transforming compassion into action through ceremonies, education, and charitable outreach.)

        Buddhist communities across California came together on October 29 to honor “The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha,” a global observance dedicated to compassion, the protection of life, and the collective aspiration for peace. 

        On the morning of October 29, 2025, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum hosted a life release event at the Marina Del Rey harbor, drawing spiritual leaders and community members from across Southern California. The event was led by Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui, Abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple and Hongfa Temple.

        Participants gathered in unity to chant praises and recite the  Great Compassion Mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blessed the fish awaiting release with consecrated Dharma water, offering prayers that these sentient beings be freed from suffering and karmic obstructions. Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean with the hope that they would find safety and live free from harm and predators. 

        The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha originated on October 29, 2009, when H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III personally led His disciples in a life release ceremony following a significant Buddhist event. He compassionately declared this day as “Life Release Day” to promote the protection of life and the practice of compassion.

        The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum upholds the compassionate teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The museum urges all sectors of society to transform empathy into action—promoting the safeguarding of life, the cessation of killing, and the daily practices of kindness as a fundamental way of living. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui emphasized that life release practices are not confined to specific days or locations. Whenever a life is in danger, we are called to act—to return it to a suitable environment, to grant it freedom, and to relieve it from fear.

        On October 29, 2025, San Francisco’s Hua Zang Si Temple also held a life release ceremony at San Rafael. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to recite the Heart Sutra and the Great Compassion Mantra before gently releasing fish back to their natural habitat. Organizers emphasized that life release is not only a spiritual practice, but also a call to awaken society’s compassion and deepen our care for the sentient beings. 

Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum
Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blesses fish awaiting release with Dharma water during the Life Release Day ceremony at Marina Del Rey.

Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum
Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean.

        To nurture compassion in the next generation, Hua Zang Si Temple held a Buddhist children’s story class on October 19. Through storytelling and interactive learning, the program guided young participants to understand the core values of “equality of all life” and “compassion without harm.” The initiative was warmly received by parents, who expressed deep appreciation for the temple’s commitment to meaningful and values-based education.

        On October 26, Macang Monastery in San Francisco held a special “Life Release Day Blessing and Food Donation Ceremony” in honor of the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha. Following collective sutra recitation and prayers by both monastics and lay practitioners, the temple donated food supplies to unhoused individuals and low-income families—embodying the Buddhist spirit of compassion and service to those in need.

        This year’s Life Release Day Designated by Buddha brought together Buddhist disciples and compassionate leaders from all walks of life through a range of activities—including life release ceremonies, prayer gatherings, educational outreach, and food donations. Participants were reminded that cultivation is not merely a slogan, but a continuous practice through every kind thought and virtuous deed.

A Buddhist Disciple’s Near-Death Experience: All That Remained Was the Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Facing Death and Awakening to the Holy Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

A Buddhist Disciple’s Near-Death Experience: All That Remained Was the Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

“Am I really going to die like this?”

At that moment, I felt as if I were rising from a cold, dark ocean or walking out of a long nightmare tunnel. The light before my eyes was so dazzling that it took me a while to recognize the blurred figures within it. Sitting beside me was my spouse, and standing there smiling was my daughter. As for myself—I was lying on a hospital bed.

A Buddhist Disciple’s Near-Death Experience All That Remained Was the Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

My mind was completely blank. It felt as if my memory had been wiped clean; nothing remained but confusion and a faint, awkward sense of unease. I anxiously searched through my thoughts but found only helplessness and fear— until a familiar melody began to echo clearly in my mind — the holy name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, resonating like a chant from deep within my heart.

Gradually, my terrified heart began to calm. The holy name persisted—unyielding and unwavering—repeating again and again, washing over my pale and fragile memory. I thought to myself, This must be what people call a “near-death experience.”

My spouse and daughter helped piece together the fragments of my missing story.

A Buddhist Disciple’s Near-Death Experience All That Remained Was the Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

We live in Shandong. I had come to Shenzhen to help my daughter take care of her child. One day, without any warning, I suddenly collapsed in silence. My family rushed me to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage. The surgery was completed successfully. Upon hearing the news, my spouse immediately flew from Shandong to Shenzhen.

They continued to fill in the missing pieces of my story:

I had just taken refuge in May 2016 to become a Buddhist disciple. However, before I could properly begin my Buddhist studies, I went to Shenzhen in June 2017 to help my daughter. Fellow practitioners in Shandong kindly connected me with disciples in Shenzhen and encouraged me not to give up my practice.

Listening to the Dharma Discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

After arriving in Shenzhen, I actively reached out to my daughter’s neighbors, hoping to introduce them to Buddhism. My daughter and son-in-law supported me wholeheartedly; they even drove me and several neighbors to a Dharma center in Shenzhen to listen to the Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Because that place was quite far, a Dharma sister later introduced me to another practitioner’s home nearby where I could listen to the teachings. Though we hadn’t known each other before, we grew close through our shared faith—everyone cared deeply about my practice and my health.

The Power of the Holy Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

The Pope of Buddhism H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
The Pope of Buddhism H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

When I regained consciousness, I couldn’t remember anything from before. Strangely, the only thing that remained clear and loud in my mind was the sacred name:

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.

In the same hospital ward, other patients with similar conditions were not as fortunate. Many were left partially paralyzed, unable to walk steadily or care for themselves. Life had become fragile—so easily shattered.

Phrases like “Life is impermanent” and “Like a dream, like an illusion” surfaced in my mind. I was deeply afraid that I, too, would become disabled and burden my family. But thankfully, although surgery had taken part of my memory, my mind remained clear enough to hold onto that one holy name:

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Like a beam of light, that name illuminated the dark and uncertain path ahead.

Miraculously Blessed by Buddha

That single remaining memory gave me unwavering faith. I believed the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were blessing me, allowing me to survive and turn a great disaster into something small.

I felt truly blessed to have entered the Buddhist path and firmly believed that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would not abandon me. As long as I kept believing and continued to study diligently, I would recover—because I still had much to do. I wanted to help more people enter the Dharma and listen to the true teachings of the Tathāgata. Holding that faith in my heart, I kept reciting the only words I could still remember:
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III — again and again, without pause. Then, a miracle happened. I gradually recovered. About twenty days later, the doctor told me I could be discharged from the hospital.

The doctor said that in all his years of medical practice, he had never seen such a recovery. Patients with my condition almost always had some form of disability—but I could walk freely, with no trace of impairment.

After returning home to Shandong, I could even ride an electric bike to attend Dharma listening sessions and play ball again. My memory of the Dharma I had learned before also came back, and I rejoined my wonderful spiritual family with deep gratitude.

A Buddhist Disciple’s Near-Death Experience All That Remained Was the Name of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Awakening to Impermanence Through the Teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

After going through this life-and-death experience, I truly understood the impermanence of life. Now, whenever I listen to the Dharma discourses on Impermanence from my Buddha Master, I feel their truth penetrate deep into my heart. Every compassionate teaching from the Buddha Master is like nectar—healing medicine that saves lives.

Fellow practitioners, when illness strikes, we can only accept our karma; no matter how anxious our loved ones may be, there is little they can do. Yet when our bodies are healthy, we often waste our precious time in confusion, unaware that the chain of impermanence could seize us at any moment.

Do not waste this rare and precious opportunity to encounter the true Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Cherish your blessings, study the Dharma diligently, and cultivate sincerely.

Liberation from life and death is attainable in this very lifetime!

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2025/11/09/a-buddhist-disciples-near-death-experience-all-that-remained-was-the-name-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #BuddhistDiscipleStory #NearDeathExperience #BuddhismMiracle #BuddhaDharma #FaithAndGratitude #BuddhistAwakening #BuddhistMiracle #BuddhismRebirth #BuddhismFaith#BuddhaCompassion#DharmaBlessing #EnlightenmentExperience


The Cause of War and the Law of Karma

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Xu (Hsu) Yun (1840-1959), Patriarch of Wei Yang, Lin Ji, Fa Yan, Cao Dong, and Yu Men Chan Schools

A teaching by the Great Zen Master Xuyun, delivered in 1947 at a middle school

In 1947, shortly after Japan’s surrender and withdrawal from China, the great Zen Master Xuyun (Empty Cloud) gave a profound speech at a middle school. The nation was still recovering from the devastation of war, and hearts were heavy with both relief and sorrow. With deep compassion, Master Xuyun used the timeless wisdom of the Buddha to explain the law of cause and effect (karma) — reminding people that wars do not arise by chance, but are the result of humanity’s collective actions.

He taught that true peace cannot be achieved through force or politics alone. Only by transforming our hearts and purifying our minds through virtue, compassion, and the practice of Buddhist teachings can we bring real and lasting peace to the world.

War does not arise by chance — it is the collective karma of all beings that brings it forth.

Dear friends, during the years of occupation, we endured immense suffering under the enemy’s oppression — our lives were steeped in water and fire, hardship and pain. Now that our nation has regained its light, we should feel endless gratitude and reflection. We must understand that the outbreak of war is not accidental; it is the result of the shared karma created by all individuals.

The ancient masters said, “If you wish to know the causes of your past lives, look at what you are experiencing in this life. If you wish to know the results of your future lives, look at what you are doing now.”
They also said, “Even after hundreds or thousands of eons, the karma one has created will not disappear. When the conditions ripen, the results will be experienced by oneself.”

When people lose their moral compass and commit all kinds of evil, they plant the seeds for calamities such as war, floods, fires, and famine. If we wish to change the will of Heaven and eliminate disasters, we must begin by transforming human hearts — by restoring virtue and morality. When everyone practices the Five Precepts and the Ten Good Deeds, cultivates upright minds and pure conduct, and lives with benevolence, trust, and righteousness, then the hearts of men and the will of Heaven will naturally align.

But if people persist in wrongdoing and refuse to repent, how can hostility and suffering ever be dissolved? The Buddha said, “The sea of suffering has no end, but when one turns around, there is the shore.” This means awakening from delusion and returning to goodness — the essential path to liberation.

We must truly believe in the law of cause and effect. It is not fiction but reality. If everyone understood that good deeds bring good results, and evil deeds bring suffering — that when one plants melons, one harvests melons; when one plants beans, one harvests beans — then no one would dare to act against conscience or break the law. Out of great compassion for all beings, Shakyamuni Buddha renounced his royal life and underwent arduous practice to save the world from ignorance and suffering.

If we understand the principle of cause and effect and wish to avoid future suffering, we must now create good causes. The hardships we experience today are the results of past evil actions. Therefore, we should now sow good seeds, and in time, we will naturally reap good fruits.

The scriptures speak of “Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi,” meaning “unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” In its essence, it transcends the distinction of self and others — there is no “you” and “me.” But this state must be cultivated from one’s own heart. If our minds remain filled with greed, anger, and ignorance, unable to abandon all evil and practice all good, the barriers of self and ego become like iron mountains, preventing us from reaching the Pure Land or true harmony. This is the most crucial point — one we must all remember well.

The Sanskrit word “Buddha” means “the Awakened One.” Enlightenment has three aspects: awakening oneself, awakening others, and perfecting both understanding and conduct.

To awaken oneself is to realize that all experiences of good and evil, joy and suffering, arise from cause and effect. Once a person truly understands this, delusion fades, the four attachments dissolve, and one becomes enlightened.

To awaken others means recognizing that all living beings — whether born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, or by transformation — all possess Buddha nature. They are called “sentient beings” only because they are deluded and unaware. We should therefore cherish and respect ourselves, and in keeping with the Buddha’s great vow of compassion and universal salvation, share these truths with others, guiding them out of the sea of suffering.

As stated in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra: “Regard all men as your fathers and all women as your mothers.” If we cultivate such deep reverence and love, especially for widows, orphans, and those who are lonely or destitute, and show them kindness and compassion through giving and aid, we can realize true equality and the ideal of great harmony.

To perfect both understanding and conduct means to live according to the Buddha’s teachings and precepts until one’s virtue and merit are complete. After the Buddha’s passing, he left behind the Three Baskets of Scriptures — Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma — as our priceless raft to cross the sea of suffering. All the rules and precepts should be faithfully practiced. When one fulfills them completely, that is the perfection of wisdom and conduct.

Thus, the Buddha is the awakened one, while sentient beings are the deluded. The distinction between delusion and enlightenment marks the boundary between beings and Buddhas. To turn away from delusion and return to truth — that is awakening, and that is Buddhahood.

To further illustrate the law of karma, there is a story from one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s past lives.

Long ago, in the city of Rajagaha, there was a fishing village with a large pond. One year, a great drought struck, and the pond began to dry up. The villagers caught and ate almost all the fish, until only one giant fish remained, which was finally killed and eaten. Only one eight-year-old boy refused to eat the fish; he simply watched and laughed.

In his later life as the Buddha, King Prasenajit of Kosala, a devoted follower of the Buddha, married a princess of the Shakya clan, and they had a son named King Virudhaka. After ascending the throne, Virudhaka led his army to attack the Shakya capital of Kapilavastu and slaughtered all its inhabitants.

During that time, the Buddha suffered a severe headache for three days. His disciples begged him to use his powers to save the Shakya people, but he refused. Even when Maudgalyayana repeatedly pleaded, the Buddha said no. Maudgalyayana tried to rescue some survivors with his alms bowl, but when he put it down, all he found was a pool of blood.

When the disciples asked why, the Buddha revealed the cause: in a past life, during a great drought in Rajagaha, the villagers had killed and eaten the fish in that pond. The giant fish was reborn as King Virudhaka, and the villagers were reborn as the Shakyas who were killed. The young boy who merely watched and laughed was reborn as Shakyamuni Buddha himself. Because this karma had matured, the outcome was unchangeable.

The Buddha fully understood this karmic connection and taught it to his disciples as a warning. Chan Master Yuan Yun wrote in verse:

“For hundreds of years, the soup in your bowl
Is filled with deep hatred, hard to dissolve.
If you wish to know why wars arise,
Listen to the cries from the butcher’s gate at midnight.”

Reflect on this story and recite the verse, and you will awaken to the true causes of war and violence — and learn to guard your conduct with mindfulness.

If we wish to transform the world and move toward true harmony, everything must begin with our hearts. Students should study diligently, yet never forget the greater mission of saving the world. And the first step to saving the world is saving the heart — correcting one’s own wrong thoughts and firmly believing in the law of cause and effect, avoiding all evil paths.

By cultivating sincerity, righteousness, self-discipline, and harmony within the family, one can extend peace to the nation and the world. If all the people of every country sincerely believe in karma and practice the Eight Virtues and Ten Precepts, then oppression, violence, and wars will cease to arise. True peace, equality, and the Pure Land of Great Harmony will appear, free from the Five Defilements and all suffering.

For the original Chinese speech, please click here. This English translation is by Linda Chang and is provided for reference only.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/07/the-cause-of-war-and-the-law-of-karma/

The Fragility of Trust

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“There are two things in this world one should never look at directly: the sun, and the human heart.” —Higashino Keigo

I recently came across this story online, and it deeply moved me. It reminded me that trust and kindness are fragile treasures—once broken, they are hard to mend. I would like to share this wisdom with everyone who reads my blog, especially in times when misunderstandings and suspicion can so easily damage the relationships we cherish most.

Once, there was a newly married couple deeply in love, inseparable and affectionate.
But the wife began to doubt her husband’s loyalty. Her suspicion grew stronger each day until she asked her best friend to “test” her husband’s faithfulness.

To her shock, the two fell in love with each other. What started as a test ended in betrayal.
In the end, the marriage was destroyed—not by infidelity itself, but by mistrust and the reckless act of testing love.

🧬 The Scientist Who Refused to Test

Finsen, the world-renowned Danish medical scientist and Nobel laureate, once chose a young man named Harry as his successor.

Some colleagues worried that Harry might not endure the long, tedious years of research. Finsen’s assistant suggested testing him by having a wealthy friend offer him a high-paying job to see whether Harry would stay or leave.

But Finsen firmly rejected the idea, saying:

“Never stand on a moral high ground to look down on others, and never test human nature.
Harry was born in poverty and naturally desires financial security. If we place him between an easy, well-paid job and the hardship of research but expect him to choose sacrifice, we are demanding him to be a saint. That would be unfair.”

Years later, Harry became one of Denmark’s most respected medical scientists. When he learned that Finsen had refused to test him, he wept and said:

“If my mentor had tested my integrity with a lucrative offer, I would likely have failed.
At that time, my mother was ill and my younger siblings depended on me for their schooling.
If Finsen had set that test for me, there would be no me as I am today.”

🌿 The Truth About Human Nature

Indeed, ordinary people are not saints—everyone has weaknesses. If we constantly test others—our spouse’s loyalty, our friends’ sincerity, or our coworkers’ honesty—we will often end up with disappointment and broken trust.

In the first story, had the wife trusted her husband instead of testing him, the marriage might have survived.

Finsen understood that human nature is fragile. True wisdom lies not in setting traps to measure others’ virtue, but in tolerating uncertainty with compassion.

Testing human nature is like striking a porcelain bowl—it will only reveal its fragility by breaking it.
Trust, on the other hand, is like holding that bowl gently in your hands—preserving its wholeness, beauty, and purpose.

In life, love, and friendship, may we learn to trust with kindness and lead with understanding.
After all, it is not the test that reveals the truth of a heart, but the grace with which we choose not to test it.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/06/the-fragility-of-trust/

Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra

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        This book by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was released in Chinese in 2014 but is not yet available in English. It is based on a series of very famous discourses given in China in 1992, using the text, meaning, and principles of the Heart Sutra to transmit Dharma. It clearly explains the relationships between mind, Buddha, and living beings. It tells everyone what the absolute truth of Buddha-dharma and liberation is. Several years ago, His Holiness told a number of Western disciples that this is the only book you need to read to understand emptiness and become enlightened. This text is for acquiring prajna or transcendental wisdom, although it also teaches the importance of cultivating character.

        To stress how important this holy book is, we must remember that just before the Buddha left this world His Holiness told us that “. . . At all times, we must think about bringing auspiciousness, serenity, happiness, and peace to living beings and to the world, to the extent of giving our all and even our lives. I have already brought true Buddha Dharma to this world. Everyone who practices in accordance with The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation and Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra will surely attain liberation. That’s all. I wish all living beings happiness.”

Venerable Master Puguan’s Reflection After Listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra

Below is the heartfelt reflection of Venerable Master Puguan, the abbot of Kaihua Monastery on Mount Wuzhong—the first site of Southern Transmission Buddhism and the thirteenth-generation patriarch of Mount Emei—after listening to the Dharma discourses of Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Venerable Master Puguan said:

“No matter what words I use today, they cannot fully express the supreme joy and wonder in my heart.
My most magnificent and compassionate Buddha Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo, once visited Mount Wuzhong in person. At that time, my junior Dharma brother, Dharma Master Guozhang, and I were on the third day of a Zen retreat with the four assemblies of disciples when suddenly the Dharma protector came and told me, ‘The greatest holy being has arrived! He is wearing white clothes. Quickly cancel the Chan session and lead everyone to greet Him with full ceremony!’

Dharma Master Guozhang also received the same message—that the highest Holy One had come. We immediately announced to all disciples that the Zen session was to be stopped, and we prepared the ceremonial welcome with drums and bells. Indeed, about ten minutes later, a group of dozens of people arrived at the foot of the mountain—it was my revered Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III).

When I supported my Master while walking toward the Bright Moon Pool, He gently took hold of my hand instead and said, ‘I am younger than you; you should not support me. It is I who should support you, the elder.’

At that moment, I felt deeply ashamed. How could a disciple ever deserve to be supported by his Master, the Great Dharma King?

Now, after listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, I finally realize that what my Master said back then was the very expression of ultimate truth!
We practitioners must rely on our Master’s steadfast guidance, never letting go of His compassionate hand, until we are led to the pure Buddha-land of ultimate Nirvana. How could we ever imagine supporting our Master?

Having repeatedly listened to this Dharma discourse, I can only say that my Master has explained the very essence of all 600 volumes of the Prajnaparamita Sutras and the two essential provisions of precepts and practice. The Dharma He expounded is so profound that the deep will see its depth and the shallow will see its shallowness—it is wondrous beyond description, extraordinary within the ordinary. In truth, it is the supreme teaching of the ultimate truth since the beginning of time.

After listening to this unparalleled Dharma spoken by my Buddha Master, I was instantly and completely awakened—the bottom of the bucket had fallen out! Unfortunately, my age has deprived me of the condition to attain rainbow-body ascension, but I rejoice that I have realized the state of indestructible flesh body. After my parinirvana, this body can serve as evidence to the world that my Great Dharma King, my Buddha Master, is truly the Dharma King who unites all Buddhas of the ten directions.

When I think back on my earlier misunderstandings, I feel deeply ashamed. I once mistakenly believed that only Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism possessed the Great Dharma that enables enlightenment within one lifetime. Now that I have attained realization, I truly understand that the authentic Dharma of the Tathagata transcends all schools and sects.

In fact, the true Buddha Dharma is a wondrous treasure existing independently of any tradition. It is neither exclusive to nor absent from any particular school—because genuine Dharma is not governed by sects but by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas themselves. Wherever a Buddha or Bodhisattva manifests as a teacher, that school naturally possesses the Great Dharma.

When I recall my past cultivation at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, I can only remain speechless in humility. Today, immersed in the bliss of Dharma joy, I can only pray:

May all Buddhas bless that the great karmic conditions of the Tathagata ripen soon.
May all sentient beings swiftly hear the teachings of my Buddha Master—the Mother of All Buddhas’ Dharmas, Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra—
so that their blessings and wisdom may swiftly and perfectly flourish,
attaining Bodhi and liberation in this very life,
and achieving freedom from life and death!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva!

Note: In 1998, Master Pu Guan passed away while in meditation, having attained mastery over his life and death. Remarkably, even eight years after his passing, his remains rest within a stupa, preserved in the meditation posture without any signs of decay.

The above is the English translation of Venerable Master Pu Guan’s Dharma discourse, rendered into English by Linda Chang. The original Chinese version is provided below.

普觀長老聽《藉心經說真諦》法音感言

下面是峨嵋山第十三代祖師、佛教南傳第一站霧中山開化寺方丈普觀老和尚聽 H.H. 第三世多杰羌佛說法《藉心經說真諦》法音後的感言，老和尚說：

我今天無論說出什麼樣的話，也代表不了我內心的喜悅殊勝，我最偉大的如佛恩師，仰諤大法王聖駕霧中山，當時我和我的師弟果章法師正在與四眾弟子打禪七的第三天，突然護法叫我說：「最偉大的巨聖德駕臨了，祂穿的是白衣服，趕快取消禪七，率領大眾大禮接駕吧！」這時果章師弟對我說，他接到護法的報告，有最大的聖德駕臨；我們當場宣布四眾弟子取消禪七，立刻擺駕擂鼓鳴鐘接駕，果然十分鐘後山下來了一隊幾十人，原來是我的恩師仰諤總持大法王駕到，當我攙扶恩師登上明月池的途中，師父反攙著我的手說：「我年輕，你不要攙扶我，應該我攙著你這位老人。」當時我深感慚愧，弟子怎能有資格讓大法王恩師攙扶呢？現在聽完《藉心經說真諦》以後，恩師說的才是一語道斷的真理哦！我們這些行人，就是要依靠恩師不鬆手地把我們攙扶著到究竟涅槃的佛土，我們哪裡有資格攙扶恩師啊！當我反覆聽到《藉心經說真諦》的開示說法般若心髓，我只能說講透了六百卷般若的心要和行修戒體二資糧，恩師的說法深者見深，淺者見淺，微妙至極，平中見奇，實在說來，是開天闢地第一義諦之無上說法。聽了恩師講說的法音無上大法以後，讓我頓然大徹大悟，桶底脫落，可惜我歲數太大，失掉化虹飛升的條件，但慶幸的是，我證到了肉身不壞的境界，今後圓寂後，可以為世人證明我大法王如佛恩師，才是十方諸佛的總匯法王。回想起當初錯誤的認識，深感羞慚，誤認為只有西藏密宗才有即身成佛的大法，現在我得到了，才真正瞭解如來的正法不是哪一宗有、哪一宗沒有，其實佛法是獨立在世外的妙寶，與密宗、顯宗沒有任何關係，任何一宗都有佛法，也沒有佛法，關鍵在於真正的佛法不是宗在掌管，而是佛菩薩在掌法，佛菩薩化身在哪一宗為師，哪一宗就有大法。想到當初我在峨嵋金頂的修持，只能無言以對，而今天處於法樂中的我，只能祈請諸佛加持，如來大事因緣早日成熟，眾生早日得聞恩師講說出諸佛之母法《藉心經說真諦》，福慧速猛圓滿，今生必證菩提聖道，生死自由！

南無阿彌陀佛！

南無觀世音菩薩！

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/10/31/expounding-the-absolute-truth-through-the-heart-sutra/

Source: https://cabuddhists.org/en/expounding-the-absolute-truth-through-the-heart-sutra/buddhist-books/h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-expounding-buddha-dharma/; https://www.wbahq.org/ch/dharma-discourses/sf-jxjszd/

My Father Before Me — The Unspoken Bond Between Fathers and Sons

linda changLeave a comment

There are few relationships as powerful—and as quietly transformative—as the one between a father and a son. Yet in modern life, it’s often overlooked. We talk about mothers and children, but the emotional depth between fathers and sons remains one of the least explored terrains of the human heart.

In My Father Before Me: How Fathers and Sons Influence Each Other Throughout Their Lives, psychoanalyst Michael J. Diamond takes us into that emotional landscape with remarkable sensitivity. Through vivid stories, psychological insight, and tender reflection, he reveals how fathers and sons shape, challenge, and heal each other across a lifetime.

Most people think of fatherhood as a one-directional journey: the father influences the son. But Diamond turns that idea around. He shows that the father–son relationship is mutual, not hierarchical.

A father helps mold his son—but the son also transforms the father. Each becomes a mirror for the other’s hopes, fears, and hidden strengths.

Diamond writes about how fatherhood can awaken parts of a man he never knew existed. When a son is born, the father doesn’t just gain a child—he also gains a deeper understanding of himself. The baby’s presence demands patience, tenderness, and emotional openness. In nurturing another, the father learns to nurture himself.

Moments That Change Everything

Diamond fills the book with moving, relatable stories that show this mutual transformation.

One story tells of a man who, having grown up with a distant father, vows to be emotionally present for his own son. Yet when his son enters adolescence and begins to push back, the man feels rejected and hurt—just as he once felt with his own father. Through reflection, he realizes that this is his chance to break the cycle: to stay connected even when it’s uncomfortable. In doing so, both he and his son begin to heal wounds that stretch back generations.

In another example, a father describes watching his young son struggle to build a toy tower. His first instinct is to step in and fix it, but he resists. Instead, he watches quietly, offering small words of encouragement. When the tower finally stands, he sees not just his son’s triumph—but his own growth in learning to let go.

These moments, Diamond suggests, are not small. They are the foundation of how love, trust, and resilience are built between generations.

The Phases of the Father–Son Journey

Diamond explores how this relationship evolves through every stage of life:

  • Early Childhood: The father is a protector and guide, introducing the child to the outside world. But he also begins to sense his son’s individuality—someone both familiar and mysterious.
  • Adolescence: As the son seeks independence, conflict can arise. Here the father’s challenge is to stay connected without controlling—to allow the son to become his own person.
  • Adulthood: When the son grows up, both men must renegotiate their roles. Often, the adult son begins to understand his father with new empathy, and the father learns to accept his son as an equal.
  • Later Years: In time, roles may reverse—the son becomes the caregiver, the listener, the one offering strength. This reversal, Diamond suggests, completes the circle of life.

Through each phase, fathers and sons are constantly exchanging something precious: understanding, forgiveness, and love.

Redefining Masculinity

A core theme in My Father Before Me is emotional honesty. Diamond challenges old stereotypes of men as stoic and distant. True masculinity, he argues, is not about dominance or silence—it’s about being open, authentic, and emotionally present.

When a father shows vulnerability, it doesn’t make him weak—it makes him real. And when a son witnesses that authenticity, he learns that being a man means embracing both strength and tenderness.

In one memorable story, a son recalls seeing his father cry for the first time—after the death of the grandfather. “That day,” he says, “I stopped fearing emotion. I realized that love and grief are part of the same heart.”

A Relationship That Never Stops Evolving

Even when fathers and sons grow older, the dialogue between them continues. Diamond describes adult sons helping aging fathers find meaning and dignity in later life. Some reconcile after years of distance. Others simply learn to say what was once left unsaid: “I love you,” “I understand you,” or even “I forgive you.”

These late-life moments, he writes, can be profoundly healing. They remind us that it is never too late to reach across the years—to understand, to listen, and to love.

A Mirror for All of Us

Whether you’re a father, a son, or simply someone reflecting on your family history, My Father Before Me offers both insight and comfort. It reminds us that every father carries the echoes of his own father within him—and that every son, in turn, shapes what fatherhood will mean for the next generation.

Ultimately, Diamond’s message is one of hope: that through empathy, self-awareness, and courage, fathers and sons can support each other’s growth, forgive each other’s shortcomings, and honor the love that lies beneath it all.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/10/29/my-father-before-me-the-unspoken-bond-between-fathers-and-sons/

The Lesson of the Apple: How a Mother’s Words Shape a Child’s Life

linda chang1 Comment

“A mother’s words can build a child—or break one.”

Recently, while reading a Chinese book on child education, I came across a story that deeply touched my heart. It perfectly illustrates how a mother’s attitude and behavior can influence a child’s entire life. I’d love to share this story with all mothers, as a gentle reminder of the quiet power we hold in shaping our children’s hearts and minds.

🍏 Two Letters, Two Lives

A famous American psychologist once conducted a fascinating study on the lifelong effects of early education. He selected 50 successful people from various fields—leaders, professionals, innovators—and 50 people with criminal records. He wrote to each of them, asking the same question:

“What influence did your mother have on you?”

Two of the replies left a lasting impression on him.
One came from a prominent White House official, the other from a prison inmate.
Surprisingly, both men spoke about the same childhood memory—their mother dividing apples.

🍎 The Prisoner’s Story: The Day He Learned to Lie

The prisoner wrote:

“When I was a child, my mother once brought home several apples—red, green, big, and small.
I immediately wanted the biggest, reddest one. Before I could speak, my little brother shouted, ‘I want the big one!’

My mother frowned and scolded him: ‘A good boy should learn to give the best to others.’

I quickly changed my words and said, ‘Mom, I’ll take the smallest one. Let my brother have the big one.’

My mother smiled proudly, kissed me on the cheek, and rewarded me with the biggest, reddest apple.”

He ended his letter with heartbreakingly honest words:

“That day, I learned that lying could bring rewards.
Later, I learned to cheat, to steal, to fight—anything to get what I wanted.
Today, I am in prison because of the lesson I learned that day.”

🍏 The White House Official’s Story: The Value of Effort

The second letter came from a White House official:

“When I was young, my mother brought home several apples, all different sizes. My brothers and I argued over who would get the biggest one.

Mother held up the largest apple and said, ‘Everyone wants the best, and that’s normal. So let’s have a little contest: I’ll divide the lawn into three sections. Whoever trims their section the fastest and neatest gets the big apple.’

We raced to finish, and I won the apple.”

He continued:

“From that day on, my mother taught us this simple but powerful truth:
If you want the best, you must earn it.

Everything good in our home had to be earned through effort and fairness. She lived by this principle herself. That’s how I learned discipline, persistence, and integrity—lessons that shaped my entire life.”

🌱 A Mother’s Words Are Seeds in a Child’s Heart

Both mothers divided apples.
Both children learned a lesson.
But one learned deception—while the other learned effort.

A mother’s reaction in a single moment, her tone of voice, or even a casual reward can plant seeds deep in a child’s heart.
Those seeds may grow into honesty and strength—or into cunning and selfishness.

Children mirror their mothers.
The way a mother faces life—whether with truth or pretense, effort or avoidance—becomes the way her child faces the world.

Education doesn’t always happen in grand lessons or classrooms.
Sometimes, it happens in small, everyday choices—like how we divide an apple, handle conflict, or teach fairness.

A wise mother uses love and insight to guide her child to understand that:

  • Honesty is more precious than cunning,
  • Effort is more reliable than shortcuts,
  • Sharing brings deeper joy than possessing.

These values, taught through simple acts, become the foundation of a child’s character.

Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.com

A mother’s way of teaching doesn’t just shape a child’s childhood—it molds their destiny.
Every look, every word, every reaction writes silently into a child’s heart the story of who they will become.

May all mothers guide their children with both love and wisdom,
so that the lessons we leave behind are those of kindness, courage, and truth.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one apple—and one mother’s choice—to change a life forever.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/10/27/the-lesson-of-the-apple-how-a-mothers-words-shape-a-childs-life/