At one time Buddha was living in Jetavanārāma. At that time the king of Kosala had a Brahmin who could tell whether a sword was lucky by smelling it. When smiths would bring their swords, if they had given bribes, he said, “It is good.” To those who did not give bribes, he said to them, “It is bad.” All in the course of time knew the deceptive nature of this man. Knowing his nature, one smith made a sword and making it very sharp, put it in a sheath filled with hot chili powder. He brought it to the king. The king summoned the Brahmin and requested him to tell them the goodness or badness of the sword.
The Brahmin, in accord with the order of the king, took the sword out from the sheath and placing it near his nose tried to smell it. Immediately, before he could say anything, the chili powder smelled by him caused him to sneeze. He could not remove the sword from his nose quickly enough, so when he sneezed, the sword cut off the tip of his nose. This story spread everywhere and eventually it reached even the monks in the preaching hall.
One day in the preaching hall of Jetavanārāma the assembled monks were speaking about this. When the Buddha visited there, the monks paid respect to the Buddha.
The Buddha asked, “Oh monks, what were you discussing before I came here?” Then the monks related the story of the Brahmin who smelled swords for the king of Kosala. Buddha said, “Not only today this man faced this mishap, but also in the past he faced the same fate.” The monks requested the Buddha to disclose the past story. The Buddha spoke then the past story:
At one time, a king called Brahmadatta ruled in Benares. He had a fortune-telling Brahmin who by smelling swords could tell their goodness or badness. He took bribes from the sword smiths. He condemned the work of those smiths who had not given bribes because they had not given him bribes.
Once a certain trickster smith made a good sword and made it well sharpened. He applied hot chili powder to it and took it to the king. The king summoned the Brahmin to examine the sword. As it was covered with hot chili powder, when he smelled it, he sneezed before he was able to remove the sword from his nose. The tip of his nose was cut off, and he was ashamed because of this. The king became very sad because of this and requested his craftsmen to make a fake tip for the Brahmin’s nose with wax. And the Brahmin again asked to work for the king.
At this time the king had a nephew at his palace, and also his daughter. The two of them since they were very young, had grown up together. When they got older, they fell in love with each other. The king did not know this secret love. The king and his ministers one day discussed the marriage of the princess. The king said, “I will give my daughter to a prince of another kingdom. If I do so, I will gain two new supporters, the prince and his father, to defend my kingdom.” Since then, the princess was not allowed to see the nephew with whom she had grown up so as to try to prevent them from falling in love. This strengthened their love for one another. And the nephew wanted to marry the princess as they both were now grown up.
The nephew therefore made a stratagem to marry the princess. He met the servant woman of the princess and gave her a bribe of a thousand gold coins. He requested her to keep the princess away for one day from the palace so that he could get to her. The woman said, “Do not worry. I will do it. I will take responsibility for that.”
Thinking of a stratagem, she went to the king and said, “Your lordship, your daughter is under the influence of an evil spirit. She is becoming unlucky and emaciated. Therefore, we will have to remove the evil spirit from her body.” The king asked, “What can we do for that?” The woman said, “In such-and-such a place there is a certain cemetery. There you need to make a stage. Keep a corpse on top of it, and cover it placing a bed over the dead body. We will place the princess on the bed and bathe her. Then the evil spirit will leave her.”
Hearing this, the king ordered her to do all these things and gave her all she had requested. She then undertook the task. She also tied some dried chili powder in a cloth, and she hid it near the bed so the nephew would be able to take it. She requested the nephew to go there and lie under the bed as the dead body. She explained to the nephew how to carry this off. The woman said to the caretakers, “When I come to the cemetery and wash the princess, the dead body will sneeze two or three times, come out from under the bed, and seize and devour the first one whom he sees. Therefore, be warned. Run away.” This was also mentioned to the nephew and princess, and the nephew was told, “When the caretakers run away, take the princess out of the cemetery, and after taking a bath with her, go wherever you like.”
On the day they set to have the service, the nephew went early and lay down under the bed she had prepared. The woman mentioned again to all the caretakers in the cemetery, “When the dead body sneezes, you will have to be ready for the death of the first one he seizes.” When, as she said, the nephew started to sneeze, all the caretakers laying their weapons down beside them, ran away from the cemetery screaming loudly. The retinue and other dignitaries who had come to witness this also all ran away.
When the nephew came out from under the bed, he took the princess, took a good bath, and went to his house with her. Hearing this news, the king became happy and he gave his daughter to the nephew.
Finalizing this story the Buddha said, “At that time the fortune-telling Brahmin who was skilled in sniffing swords was this fortune-telling Brahmin of today. The nephew prince of the king of Benares was I who am the Buddha.”
The moral: “What causes a loss for one person, may cause a gain for someone else.”
What is love? What is marriage? What is happiness?
These are questions that have echoed through time. The Greek philosopher Plato once asked his teacher Socrates these very questions. The answers he received were not in the form of lectures or definitions, but through simple, thought-provoking experiences that revealed profound truths about life.
What Is Love?
When Plato asked, “What exactly is love?” Socrates didn’t reply with words. Instead, he told Plato to walk through a wheat field and pick the biggest, fullest ear of wheat he could find. There was only one rule: he could pick only once, and he couldn’t turn back.
Plato returned empty-handed.
“I saw some very large and golden ears of wheat,” he explained, “but I kept thinking that there might be an even better one ahead, so I didn’t pick any. As I walked further, none of the wheat looked as good as what I had already passed. In the end, I walked out with nothing.”
Socrates smiled and said, “That is love. We often think something better lies ahead, so we pass by the one who may have been most right for us. And when we finally realize it, it’s too late to turn back.”
What Is Marriage?
Next, Plato asked, “Then what is marriage?”
Socrates responded, “Walk through the forest and cut down the biggest, strongest tree to use as a Christmas tree. Remember—you may only choose once, and you cannot turn back.”
This time, Plato returned with a tree that wasn’t the tallest or thickest, but still sturdy and pleasing.
When Socrates asked why he had picked it, Plato said, “I remembered the lesson from the wheat field. When I saw this tree and thought it was good enough, I cut it down. I was afraid that if I kept looking, I’d again end up with nothing. It may not be the best, but it’s mine—and I’m content with it.”
Socrates nodded and said, “That is marriage. It may not be perfect, but it’s real, reliable, and something you can walk through life with.”
What Is Happiness?
Finally, Plato asked, “What is happiness?”
Socrates told him to walk through a meadow and pick the most beautiful flower he could find, again under the same rule: choose only once, and no turning back.
After some time, Plato returned with a lovely flower in his hand.
Socrates asked, “Is this the most beautiful flower you saw?”
Plato answered with certainty: “When I saw this flower, I felt it was the most beautiful, so I picked it. Even though I saw other beautiful flowers later, I didn’t regret my choice. I stayed firm in my decision. This one, to me, is the most beautiful.”
Socrates smiled and said, “That is happiness. When you choose to see something as your happiness and cherish it, happiness is already yours.”
Through these three simple parables, Plato came to understand love, marriage, and happiness—not as things to chase endlessly, but as choices to recognize, embrace, and be content with.
Love is like the perfect ear of wheat you keep hoping to find ahead, only to realize—often too late—that what you passed by may have been the best match for you.
Marriage is like the tree that may not be flawless, but stands strong with you through the everyday winds and storms of life.
Happiness isn’t about always having the best. It’s about choosing something, valuing it, and finding contentment in it.
In a world driven by comparison, desire, and constant pursuit of “more,” true happiness arises when we stop looking outward and begin appreciating what we already have. When we make peace with our choices and nurture them with gratitude, we come to see: we already possess love, marriage, and happiness in their truest forms.
The Holy Gurus of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters now address the three inquiries below and reply as follows:
1. Buddhist disciples beware! No temple can represent the Ancient Buddha Temple, the True Dharma Temple, or the Holy Miracles Temple. Any other temple can only speak for themselves. They cannot represent the three great temples: the Ancient Buddha Temple, the True Dharma Temple, and the Holy Miracles Temple! The Tremendous Holy Gurus and Great Holy Gurus at Bodhisattva levels officiate these three great temples with authentic Buddha Dharma.
Some people claimed that their temples were recognized by His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and that His Holiness the Buddha had also named their temples. The fact that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III accedes to requests from Buddhists to name the temples that they have built or will build and bestow upon them calligraphic scripts of the names of those temples is entirely for the sake of encouraging Buddhist disciples to cultivate themselves truthfully following Buddhist teachings and rules.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III once said that whenever a Buddhist temple or an academy for learning from Buddha is built, His Holiness the Buddha would have no hesitation writing a calligraphic script for the name of the temple or academy. However, it is not true that once a temple is given a calligraphic script penned by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, such a temple is proven to be a temple with authentic Dharma or following the teachings of Buddha. This is because after a temple is built, changes could happen due to impermanence and the converging of different karmic factors. It is hard to foresee who will take the helm and whether they will mix up correct and evil teachings or practices because people interpret the teachings of Buddha in their own ways. Hence, the fate of these establishments cannot be predetermined.
For this reason, just having a calligraphic script of the temple’s name penned by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is a conditioned phenomenon. How could this one conditioned phenomenon predetermine the fate of a temple? As a case in point, the Bodhi Tree under which Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment was once a tremendously sacred site where humans and heavenly beings all went to pay homage to the Buddha. Who would have thought that the same site has now become a marketplace where horses and donkeys trample fallen leaves of the bodhi tree? Hence, all conditioned phenomena are dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows. How could any conditioned phenomena be unchanging even for a split second? Follow and practice the Buddha’s teachings immediately. Abandon all evil, and do all that is good. That is the correct way. That is how you can eliminate calamities and obtain good fortune.
However, you have to be aware that for any other temple, as long as the abbot, the leading monastic or the monastic at the helm, follows strictly the Buddhist rules and precepts, is proficient in Sutra, Vinaya, and Shastra, does not fake to be a holy person to deceive the public, then that is a temple officiated by one with conduct befitting of an eminent and greatly virtuous monastic. Such a temple is worthy of respect. On the contrary, if a temple is led by someone who claims to be a holy person, yet in essence, they have not attained the level of divine realization, then that is undoubtedly a temple officiated by an evil master and a cheater.
2. Another inquiry of yours was about two persons of Han Chinese ethnicity claiming to have received Geshe degrees from a Buddhist academy in Tibet and obtained accomplishment in the Five Vidyas upon passing a sutra debate. You asked if that followed Dharma rules and whether the Five Vidyas could be attained through a sutra debate.
First of all, this Headquarters does not know who these people are. These people are not limited to the two persons mentioned above but are everywhere. We now answer your question based on the examples you referred to. Currently, there are no Geshes of Han Chinese ethnicity. Even Tibetan Geshes are not necessarily Buddhist scholars in true essence. This is because the government no longer recognizes such an exam system for religion. To be recognized, one must be approved by the specific department of the government to obtain a certificate. Otherwise, their recognition has no standing. Saying someone has attained the Five Vidyas based on passing a sutra debate is nonsense. To say it bluntly yet factually, which of those who officiate sutra debates has the Five Vidyas themselves and could recognize the Five Vidyas in others? If there is such a person, please provide their name.
Moreover, even if someone has obtained a Geshe degree, it does not mean they possess authentic Buddha Dharma because a Geshe is merely a scholar of empty theories. The degree cannot represent the holder’s accomplishment in true realization power. Only the written exam of 100 questions on Sutra, Vinaya, and Sastra, and the most sacred and solemn Holy Exam, can be the ironclad proof of one’s actual knowledge and realization power. At the very least, even if one attains a Gold Button level through the holy exam, it has nothing to do with the Five Vidyas because the Five Vidyas cannot be achieved through sutra debates or scholarly discussions. The Five Vidyas are the results of true realization power; not a sliver of the true essence of the Five Vidyas can be obtained through empty debates. One must genuinely present results that can be seen. These results must be superior to the highest standards that worldly experts can achieve.
The true meaning of the Five Vidyas is generally misinterpreted in Buddhism. Amateurs who do not know consider the Five Vidyas to each represent one single discipline, classifying them into the five major vidyas and the five minor vidyas. For example, the five major vidyas would be 1. the study of arts and crafts, 2. the study of medicine, 3. the study of musicality, 4. the study of logic, and 5. religious study; and the Five Minor Vidyas would be: 1. Rhetoric, 2. Lexicology, 3. Phonology, 4. Dramatics, and 5. Astronomy. In truth, how could the Five Vidyas be limited to such pathetically simple matters?
Pay attention! The Five Vidyas must be understood based on the realization powers of Bodhisattvas. For example, Craftsmanship Vidya means the highest state of accomplishment in craftsmanship. That is brilliance. One’s achievement must surpass the levels of experts in the world. Five Vidyas encompass a broad perspective. Just take the Craftsmanship Vidya as an example. This Vidya is not just about being able to carve flowers out of frozen butter, draw face masks, make Thangkas, create oil paintings, ink paintings, watercolor paintings, pastel paintings, graphite sketches, wax crayon paintings, chalk paintings, spray paintings, or make sculptures. Having accomplishments in all these aspects and surpassing experts of national standing still cannot be considered as having the true Craftsmanship Vidya. There are infinite aspects to genuine Craftsmanship Vidya, which does not only include painting but also construction, architecture, sand sculpting, sculpture, decoration, landscaping, scenic landscaping, lighting design, the styling of clothes with shoes and hat, hair styling and ornamentation, wall hangings, curtains design and patterned decorative windows, interior furniture, and interior design, color decorations of pavilions, colorful gift wrappings, knotting and ribboning, and even one’s mannerism including how one carries oneself when one walks and sits, and how one keeps one’s dignified presence, etc. One must attain the level of an international expert in every single aspect. Simply speaking, only when one attains the highest level of enjoyment in all things of beauty in the universe can one be considered to have attained the Craftsmanship Vidya.
For another example, Healing Vidya is not just about curing human beings, animals, and birds of their illnesses. It also means optimizing the conditions of inanimate objects and restoring living beings to their healthy conditions. Only that can be considered Healing Vidya.
It is the same for the other three Vidyas. In particular, the Inner Realization Vidya summates the other four Vidyas. “Inner realization” means realizing holiness internally, while “Vidya” refers to the high-level manifestation of the internally realized holiness, such as the physical inner realization power, which one can show in one’s appearance and apply to external objects. One with an Inner Realization Vidya has transcended the ordinary to become holy and can communicate directly with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They are extraordinary, wondrous, and majestic to the utmost. We will not further discuss it here.
People with titles of Dharma kings, Venerable ones, Dharma masters, or Geshes cannot attain the true Five Vidyas. It requires the true power of realization and not just empty theories. Namo Shakyamuni Buddha holds everything in the universe within one palm. The Buddha excels in all aspects of the Five Vidyas and has superior abilities at the pinnacle of achievement in every professional field. Unfortunately, the accomplishments of the Buddha in the Five Vidyas have been damaged in the process of impermanence. In more than 2000 years of Buddhist history, besides Namo Shakyamuni Buddha and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, nobody has ever attained perfection in the Five Vidyas, not even Holy Gurus at the patriarch or matriarch level. That’s why we could not find any such precedence. We cannot list the names of anyone who can show their accomplishment item by item to validate their Five Vidyas.
You must know that true Five Vidyas are neither hollow theories from books nor so-called five major vidyas or five minor vidyas. Five Vidyas refer to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas mastering the rules of change that govern all spiritual and physical existence of myriad phenomena in the universe. They turn evil into good, optimize the usefulness of what would be useless, are unimpeded in their debate, know the correlation between science and logic, understand what is mutually constructive or destructive, and turn afflictions into bodhi. They have attained liberation from death and rebirth and are at the pinnacle of transcending the mundane to become holy. They are incredibly enlightened and capable beings who have achieved accomplishment at the level of Equal Enlightenment Bodhisattvas, Marvelous Enlightenment Bodhisattvas, or Buddha.
Throughout history, none of the great Geshes indeed possessed the Five Vidyas, and as such, no one could show any accomplishment in these five major categories. Nowadays, people’s knowledge and realization power are shallow and minuscule. Those Geshes are truly shameless, claiming to possess the Five Vidyas. The falsity of these ordinary people is inconceivably absurd; they think they could open up the sky and swallow the ocean, yet they are far from the realm of the Five Vidyas. If anyone should challenge this, they could openly demonstrate their Five Vidyas to validate their claims. At that time, holy and ordinary beings would all be offering their respect.
3. Someone inquired if the International Buddhism Sangha Association Headquarters assigned people to officiate the Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Empowerment Dharma Assembly. It is necessary to point out that all offerings received from the Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Empowerment Dharma Assembly can only be used to release captured lives and benevolent deeds. Also, all the offerings must be used up within half a month. There is no such thing as a separate donation for releasing captured lives. Separately collecting a donation to release captured lives disobeys the Dharma. If those who have done such a thing do not repent and correct themselves, once the Headquarters has verified the facts, no matter who they are, we will openly criticize them by name.
Furthermore, it has been verified that the International Buddhism Sangha Association Headquarters has not even sent anybody anywhere to officiate a Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Empowerment Dharma Assembly. If, according to your letter, someone said that the International Buddhism Sangha Association Headquarters sent people to officiate a Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Empowerment Dharma Assembly, then these people were using the International Buddhism Sangha Association Headquarters as their front, what they did was an act of their own.
The Inquiry Center, World Buddhism Association Headquarters
December 1, 2019
CLICK HERE for the source posting of this article.
The conferment of the Pope of Buddhism to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III originated in January 2018 when the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and World Peace Prize Religious Leaders Title Awarding Council passed the resolution to confer to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III the title of Pope of Buddhism, the highest leader of Buddhism in this world. However, His Holiness the Buddha refused to accept the conferment.
The Pope of Buddhism H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
For the sake of propagating Buddha Dharma and benefitting living beings, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters took the liberty to accept the conferment decree and the Pope of Buddhism Scepter. When the World Buddhism Association Headquarters respectfully presented the Pope of Buddhism Scepter and conferment decree to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, His Holiness the Buddha III said: “I see that on top of this Scepter is the seated Shakyamuni Buddha, we should be respectful to Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.” His Holiness the Buddha then raised the Scepter above His head and made a symbolic closed palm gesture with one hand to express His respects. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III also expressed that He is just a humble cultivator and resolutely would not accept such a conferment. Hence, His Holiness the Buddha immediately returned the conferment decree and the Pope of Buddhism Scepter to the two Councils.
On September 23, 2020, the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and World Peace Prize Religious Leaders Title Awarding Council passed an ultimate joint resolution, determining that the return of the Pope of Buddhism Scepter and conferment decree by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was not effectible. On September 24, the joint Chair of the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and World Peace Prize Religious Leaders Title Awarding Council Suzi Leggett made the ultimate announcement at the Holy Miracles Temple of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters: “Over the past several decades, the World Peace Prize Awarding Council has presented the World Peace Prize to presidents, spiritual leaders, and prime ministers of many nations, including President Ronald Reagan, Hon. Mahatma Gandhi, and H.E. Yitzhak Rabin. There has never been a precedence of an award being retracted or returned. All determinations made and implemented by our Councils are very solemn, serious, and absolutely cannot be changed. The return of the Pope of Buddhism Scepter and conferment decree by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is deemed not effectible. The title, status, and authority of the Pope of Buddhism belong only to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and cannot be exercised by anyone else.” Chair Leggett once again requested that the World Buddhism Association Headquarters accept and present to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III the Pope of Buddhism Scepter and conferment decree that His Holiness the Buddha previously returned.
Representing the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Venerable Mozhi Rinpoche accepted the conferment decree and Pope of Buddhism Scepter. He said during his speech, “The World Buddhism Association Headquarters considers that the decision made by the two Councils is remarkably proper and sagacious.
“Ever since Namo Shakyamuni Buddha entered parinirvāṇa, there has not been a supreme leader who has the authority to guide all Buddhists the same way that the Buddha did. However, the authoritative position of the Pope of Buddhism certainly is not a role that a leader of a single Buddhist sect would have the attributes to fulfill; rather, the Pope must be a leader who has authority over the entirety of Buddhism, namely, a Buddha.
“Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III holds the perfect teachings of Buddhism and meets the criteria used by all Buddhist sects to recognize a Buddha. His inherent nature is in accord with that of a Buddha. His unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment is in accord with that of a Buddha. Just based on the accomplishment of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in Lifting the Pestle onto the Platform, surpassing His own base weight standard by 59 levels, no one else can possibly reach such a record.
“The state of virtue of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is that of a Buddha. His Holiness the Buddha has perfect mastery of Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, perfect accomplishments in the Five Vidyas, and so forth, all of which accord with the unsurpassed, complete, and perfect enlightenment of a Buddha.
“In more than 2,000 years, there has not been a Buddhist Holy Guru in this world who possesses the same Buddha level qualities. Just by the facts that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III vowed and carries out the vow to benefit living beings purely on a voluntary basis and does not accept any offerings throughout His entire life, and that He possesses perfect wisdom and unimpeded accomplishments, no other Holy Guru can be of comparison. Only Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III can take on this immensely noble, holy, and heavy responsibility of the Pope of Buddhism, to properly guide Buddhists onto the correct path of learning Buddhism.
“Therefore, on behalf of Buddhists, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters thanks the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and the World Peace Prize Religious Leaders Title Awarding Council for having made the ultimate decision.”
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is selfless and noble, and the first person in Buddhism to possess substantive holy realization power of a Buddha and perfectly flawless accomplishments at the pinnacle of the Five Vidyas. These are the qualities that no other eminent Buddhist monastic or virtuous person in this world has so perfectly attained. It is naturally a matter of course that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the veritable Pope of Buddhism.
To honor the Holy Birthday of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, revered as the Pope of Buddhism, several prominent Buddhist organizations including the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, Hua Zang Si, Benevolence Temple, and the Sanger Mission, jointly organized a Grand Dharma Assembly in Glendale, California. The two-day event took place on June 30th and July 1st, 2023, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium and attracted over a thousand Buddhists from around the world.
June 30th marked the unveiling of the first three volumes of the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection”. The Dharma Assembly opened with a procession led by a group of nuns, chanting the Buddha’s name “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III”. The “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection” was gracefully displayed on a sacred sedan chair, carried by Holy Gurus Venerable Tsemang and Ruzun Bodi Wentu. In a display of reverence, all attendees of the Assembly humbly prostrated themselves, paying their respects to the Collection.
In the Dharma Assembly, Venerable Tsemang addressed the congregation, emphasizing the significance of the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection”: “We have undertaken the significant task of editing and publishing the first part of the ‘Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.’ This endeavor not only expresses our profound gratitude and unwavering yearning for H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III but, more importantly, will enable countless sentient beings to attain accomplishment and liberation through studying the Collection. We firmly believe that the ‘Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection’ will serve as the ultimate guide for all Buddhist disciples seeking accomplishment and liberation.
“The Collection encompasses the essence of the Tripitaka and the esoteric Buddhist scriptures. It covers Buddhist precepts, views, cultivation, and Dharma practices. It covers the whole spectrum of Buddhism regardless of whether it is Hinayana, Mahayana, or Vajrayana. Through the Collection, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III reveals the most direct and expedient path for sentient beings, Arhats, and Bodhisattvas to advance themselves. If we diligently study and practice the teachings on even a single volume of the Collection, while focusing on any one dharma-gate, we can be assured of attaining liberation.”
During this Age of Dharma Degeneration, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III descended to the earthly realm, exhibiting perfect mastery of Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, along with unparalleled expertise in the Five Vidyas. The Five Vidyas are what Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do to help living beings. Over the past 2,000 years, Buddhist teachings have encountered distortions and alterations due to mistranslation and misinterpretation of Buddha-dharma by Buddhist patriarchs, eminent monastics, and Buddhist scholars. Recognizing the distortions and errors that had infiltrated Buddhist teachings, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III corrected the mistakes present in the Buddhist teachings, restoring the authenticity, power, and purity of Buddha’s wisdom and views.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has bequeathed over two thousand audio recordings of imparted Dharmas and published invaluable Buddhist books, including “A Monk Expounds the Absolute Truth to a Layperson,” “Commentary on the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra,” “The Essence of Buddha Dharma,” “Correcting the Treatises of Patriarch Bodhidharma,” “What Is Cultivation?,” “The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation,” and “Learning From Buddha.” H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III imparted the subtleties of Dharmas in colloquial language so that people living in the 21st century could easily comprehend. They serve as supreme treasures and indispensable resources for Buddhist disciples seeking to escape the sufferings of this world and attain enlightenment.
In response to the needs of Buddhist disciples, the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is working to transcribe audio recordings of Dharmas imparted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III into extensive written texts, and the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection” is being meticulously compiled. The first three volumes of the Collection, consisting of “Dharma Imparted During the Trip to the East,” “Dharma Imparted During a Trip in Response to the Needs of Disciples,” and “Imparting the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra,” were released to commemorate this Holy Birthday of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The remaining volumes will be released and published in the future.
The Dharma Assembly continued July 1st, 2023, with participants representing Buddhist disciples all over the world presenting 108 offerings to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Under the solemn direction of Jiaozun Zhengda, the congregation recited the Buddhist Sutra “Sutra on Understanding and Realizing Definitive Truth”. The attendees offered heartfelt reverence to the Buddhas, engaged in prostrations, and prayed to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for blessings upon all sentient beings. The gathering collectively expressed their aspirations for the eradication of all global pandemics, the endurance of international peace and friendship, and the cessation of calamities, while invoking prosperity, good health, and longevity for all.
Venerable Pannavati Karuna, the Abbot of Heartwood Refuge monastery in North Carolina, led dozens of her students to attend the Dharma Assembly. In an interview, she said: “I was introduced to Buddha Master (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) 18 years ago through Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche. I thought I had too many duties and responsibilities to follow His teachings. But I kept reading and pondering them through the years. I began to notice in my everyday life the truth and ability to live differently in the world. I had more integrity, clarity, joy for the first time and an understanding that enlightenment was possible if one follows the true teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Buddha Master imparted Dharmas and explained those teachings in a down to earth, understandable way without compromise. He even spoke African American slang. Sometimes translators had a difficult time translating it into English because they may not fully understand the slang. But I heard it and I understood what He meant. That is the marvelousness of a true Buddha in this world. He can speak the language in a way that you hear it, understand it, penetrate it, and realize it. He guided me towards the correct aspiration. The goal is not Buddhist studies, and realization cannot be explained by mere words, but it can be experienced. The true purpose of the Buddha Dharma is to awaken us to our Buddha-nature. His teachings point the way.”
Gongjue Tuji Rinpoche from Germany also shared his joyfulness after attending the Dharma Assembly. He said: “I am very happy to be here today on this very auspicious occasion. Because for us Westerners, it is very hard to get the teachings and Dharma from Buddha Master since most of us do not speak Chinese. I am very happy about this event today that we are finally getting the opportunity to get the Buddha Dharma in English language, and we will have direct access to it.”
The Dharma Assembly held in Glendale fostered unity and devotion among Buddhist practitioners from diverse backgrounds. With the release of the first volumes of “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection”, the event left an indelible mark on the spiritual aspirations of attendees, inspiring them to pursue enlightenment and emulate the compassion and wisdom demonstrated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In life, wealth is not measured solely by what we own. True richness lies in the harmony between material comfort and inner peace. Across every social and economic class, we meet people who radiate kindness and resilience—and others who, despite outward success, feel spiritually empty.
Let’s explore four types of people through the lens of both outer wealth and inner fulfillment.
1. The Poor Among the Poor
Struggling both financially and spiritually.
Imagine someone living in a rundown apartment, surviving paycheck to paycheck. The hardship of their material life is evident—but the deeper burden lies within. Stress, anxiety, and hopelessness weigh heavily on their heart.
Perhaps their past holds trauma, loss, or abandonment. With little support or healing, bitterness takes root. Trust feels dangerous. Joy seems unreachable. They may withdraw or act out, living not only in material scarcity but also emotional desolation.
This is a soul in need of compassion, connection, and light—a reminder that true poverty is not just economic, but also spiritual.
2. The Spiritually Rich in Modest Circumstances
Materially humble, yet inwardly joyful.
Now envision someone of limited means, yet abundant in heart. Their home may be small, their income meager—but their spirit shines. They greet life with gratitude, take joy in the sunrise, the warmth of a shared meal, the laughter of a friend.
They live by faith or a strong set of values. They give generously, even when they have little. Their kindness is sincere, their joy resilient. They find meaning in helping others and walk through life with dignity and grace.
Yan Hui, one of Confucius’s most cherished students, is a timeless example. Confucius admired Yan Hui for his ability to remain joyful despite poverty, exclaiming: “How virtuous Hui is! With just a bowl of rice and a ladle of water in a humble alley, others could not endure such hardship, yet Hui never let go of his joy. How virtuous Hui is!”
His life shows us that true wealth comes from within.
3. The Restless Among the Rich
Surrounded by luxury, yet inwardly unfulfilled.
This person owns much—prestigious homes, expensive cars, elite status. But their heart feels hollow. They may look successful, yet their joy is shallow and fleeting.
They chase more: more titles, more possessions, more recognition—but the emptiness remains. Relationships feel strained. Peace eludes them. Their days are filled with doing, but not being. They struggle to find meaning.
Despite all they have, they feel poor in spirit. What they truly long for is connection, authenticity, and inner peace.
4. The Truly Abundant
Blessed with both material wealth and spiritual fullness.
Finally, imagine someone who has both outer success and a heart full of wisdom and compassion. Their generosity extends beyond money to love, time, and care. Their worth isn’t measured by what they own, but by the good they do.
They uplift others, listen deeply, and lead with humility. They use their resources to heal, not to boast. When they fall, they grow. When others suffer, they respond with empathy.
Their life radiates meaning because it is guided by the heart. They show us what true abundance looks like.
Prince Siddhartha is the ultimate role model. Born into luxury, he had everything—nobility, intelligence, beauty, and unmatched talent in both scholarship and martial arts. Yet, he realized that worldly pleasures are fleeting illusions.
Compelled by compassion, he renounced his royal life to seek a path of liberation for all beings trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Through profound wisdom and practice, he attained complete enlightenment and became the Buddha—a being of perfect wisdom and boundless compassion.
His life teaches us that the richest journey is one that leads to awakening and selfless love.
So, What Is True Wealth?
True wealth is not just what we possess—but who we are. You can have little and still be truly rich. You can have much and still feel deeply poor.
In the end, the real measure of success is not our bank account, but how much kindness we carry—and how we uplift others through it.
Let us not chase only riches. Let us seek a full heart. Let us build lives that inspire, comfort, and heal.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata has taught that when a practitioner of the Great Perfection Dharma attains the highest level of realization, even the dharma instruments and the dharma seat used by such a being can manifest extraordinary signs—turning into rainbows. This profound teaching has now manifested as fact.
The site shown in the photographs below is the vajra throne area where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III practiced dharma. Within this sacred lawn, a mandala of the vajra throne, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III conducted numerous inner-tantric initiations for rinpoches, dharma teachers, and lamas, as well as many major Buddhist ceremonies.
On the afternoon of July 4, 2006, under clear skies and bright sunlight, an extraordinary event occurred. Without warning, celestial dragons roared with laughter, their sounds echoing like thunder through the sky. At the same time, a rich, fragrant scent filled the air. Then, from the vajra throne area, thousands of brilliant, rainbow-colored lights began to sparkle and shine.
These lights radiated in ever-changing hues and forms. Some appeared on the tips of grass, others near the roots, some along the blades, and some floated freely in the air between them. Whether viewed from up close or afar, from any direction, dazzling lights could be seen—each more brilliant than diamonds under direct sunlight.
What was truly astonishing was that each person witnessed something different: some saw multicolored lights, others saw white, blue, red, or green lights. Moreover, the colors constantly changed. Some lights would vanish suddenly, only to reappear moments later. Even a strong hose spraying water could not wash them away. Yet when touched by hand, the lights would instantly disappear without a trace. It was nothing short of miraculous.
Even more remarkable was that these glittering rainbow lights were confined solely to the area where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III had practiced. A few feet away, on the same lawn, no such lights could be seen—even after being watered. Finally, the lights suddenly gathered together and transformed into a magnificent, vibrant rainbow that soared into the clear blue sky. It was a truly wondrous and sacred sight.
This holy manifestation is a clear testament to the extraordinary realization and accomplishment of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Present during this divine event were rinpoches such as Venerable Akou Lamo Rinpoche, H.E. Gar Tongstan IV, and Venerable Xiangge Qiongwa; Dharma Teachers such as Venerable Long Hui and Dharma Teacher Jue Hui; as well as lay practitioners.
We personally witnessed these events exactly as described above. The photographs below were taken while we observed the radiant rainbow lights shining forth from the vajra throne area of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. As students of Buddhism and sincere cultivators, we dare not speak falsely or mislead sentient beings. We understand deeply that to do so would bring karmic retribution. Therefore, we solemnly affirm the truth of this account.
The participants’ signatures are provided in the video as a testimony to the authenticity of these events.
In Exoteric Buddhism, there is a revered title for a special kind of master known as the Dharma King. In this Dharma-ending age, it is exceedingly rare and difficult to encounter a true Dharma King. According to the Vajrayana Buddhist scripture Vajra Secret Determination (Vajra Mi Jian), a Dharma King is the Sovereign of All Dharmas. A genuine Dharma King is either a Buddha or a great Bodhisattva who has attained at least the Twelfth Bhumi and has reincarnated into this world. Such a being must possess the twofold qualities of worldly and transcendental virtues.
Worldly Virtues
Worldly, or inner-worldly, virtues include mastery of both Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhist teachings, as well as perfection in the Five Vidyās:
Mastery of Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings means thorough understanding of the Tripitaka—the Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidharma—as well as complete proficiency in all Esoteric (Tantric) practices, including the cultivation of the Three Secrets (body, speech, and mind).
Perfection in the Five Vidyās The five vidyas are the silpakarmasthanavidya (craftsmanship vidya), the cikitsvidya (healing vidya), the sabdavidya (sound vidya), the hetuvidya (causality or Buddhist logic vidya), and the adhyatmavidya (inner realization vidya). Actually, the Five Vidyas are not that narrow. Everything in the universe can be classified into five aspects of brightness and darkness. To develop everything that is good in the universe and that benefits living beings is classified as bright. That which confuses and is bad is classified as dark.
These Five Sciences must be fully and flawlessly accomplished.
Transcendental Virtues
Transcendental, or other-worldly, virtues refer to mastery of the Five Secret Inner Empowerments, which are revealed through the exhibition of supernatural powers within a tantric mandala. These five supreme empowerments are:
Vase Empowerment by Golden Urn Divination (Dharmapāla Division)
Vajra Samādhi Empowerment (Yidam Division)
Auspicious Selection Empowerment (Yidam Division)
Dharma Wheel Supreme Empowerment (exclusive to a Dharma King)
Buddha-Bestowed Nectar Empowerment – the highest empowerment that signifies direct and non-dual communication with the Buddhas
Additionally, a true Dharma King must possess the Dharma King Dharma Wheel, a sacred object bestowed directly by the Buddha from the sky (the void). Though it appears similar to a coin in shape, the Dharma Wheel is imbued with extraordinary power. It can walk, dance, speak, and sing, and it can manifest supreme Dharma powers through the true Dharma King.
The following is a firsthand account from Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, describing how she received the Dharma Wheel Initiation from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Although this was a high level inner tantric initiation and as such cannot be publicly discussed or shared with others in detail, an exception was made to allow me to briefly tell others of my experience so that they can learn of the true power of the magnificent Buddha-dharma. A ritual was performed for me to remove certain negative karma that served as an obstacle to my achievement of liberation. After the dharma protecting deities arrived and the the Buddha-dharma was practiced, the Vajra Dharma Wheel quickly exhibited samadhi. Very quickly, I screamed–the impact was very intense, but in that same moment I also realized the truth of the Buddha-dharma. Although there was intense feeling–greater than anything I had ever experienced before–there was also no-feeling. I realized the emptiness of that magical experience while at the same time experiencing it. It was explained that this experience was a precursor to the realization of the dharmakaya.
I understood how my Buddha Master and other enlightened beings could accomplish their amazing feats. Although there are no words to adequately describe this experience, it was a glimpse of the dharmakaya–the truth of the universe! This is what is meant by “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.” Living in this pure state, if only for a moment and through the power of my Buddha Master, I understood that the dharmakaya is everywhere. There was no place that is not the dharmakaya. This is what enlightened beings experience or realize at all times; as a result, they can do anything! All things are inherently empty and at the same time contain the potentiality of all things! This realization exists while living in this mundane world…….and, it exists for all sentient beings! We all have the inherent nature of a Buddha.
The initiation caused me not only to eliminate certain obstacles, but also reinforced my resolve to practice and help others to learn the true Buddha-dharma. I understood the necessity of obtaining inner tantric initiations from a true vajra master if one wants to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime! Only a true vajra master can summon the dharma protecting deities and communicate directly with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to perform this sort of powerful ritual! Only a true vajra master can manifest the awesome power of the true Buddha-dharma. My master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, is such a master!
My name is Li Xueping, and this is a story about love, faith, and the incredible blessings that come from practicing true Buddhism. It is a story that centers around my mother, Yang Yanshu, a gentle and kind-hearted woman who is now over ninety years old. Despite her age, she continues to inspire us with her warmth, frugality, and deep devotion to her family.
My mother has been a Buddhist for many years. Though she is illiterate, she memorized and recites the Heart Sutra daily with great sincerity. In our home, we’ve always honored Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, and her faith has been a quiet but powerful force in our lives.
In October 2003, my sister and I accompanied our mother to listen to the Dharma discourses of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III for fourteen consecutive days. During that time, my mother experienced a profound transformation—both physically and mentally. She was radiant with Dharma joy and gained deep faith in the supreme teachings. From then on, she diligently listened to discourses, practiced Buddhism daily, and her health remained remarkably stable. It was clear to us: the blessings of true Dharma had uplifted her life.
In June 2017, our lives were shaken when my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer at a reputable hospital. She was in her eighties at the time, and the news was devastating. We decided against surgery and opted for conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine to minimize her suffering.
My siblings and I turned entirely to Buddhist practice. We recited The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation, performed lamp offerings, and conducted life-releasing ceremonies. My mother, too, chanted Buddha’s names with devotion and repented for past wrongdoings. She often reflected with remorse: “I regret killing so many chickens in the past just for food. I committed great wrongs by taking lives.”
We knew from the Buddha’s teachings that killing brings severe karmic consequences, and while our efforts could not undo the past, we hoped to ease her suffering through sincere repentance and practice.
Wanting to seek deeper help, I applied for a U.S. visa and, in September 2017, traveled to the United States to personally report my mother’s situation to the great Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. The Buddha responded with immense compassion: “I will perform a Dharma practice to bless her.”
I will never forget that moment. The Buddha, who treats all beings with equal kindness regardless of wealth or status, blessed my mother. Monastic disciples also provided her with precious Black Treasure Pills. Miraculously, her pain vanished, her complexion became rosy, and she regained peace and strength. The power of true Dharma had once again revealed itself.
An Unexpected Crisis and a Miraculous Return
In June 2018, while I was visiting my daughter in Belgium, I received an urgent call—my mother was critically ill. We feared I might not see her again. I flew back as quickly as possible, praying for blessings throughout the journey. When I arrived home, I was astonished—my mother had survived.
My sister later told me that just before losing consciousness, my mother cried out:
“Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, save me!”
Soon after, the ambulance arrived and took her to the hospital. After seven days of treatment, she was miraculously revived.
Shortly after, I faced a difficult decision. I had already planned to attend the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in the United States. With my mother still recovering, and family responsibilities weighing on me, I hesitated. My husband even called me “unfilial” for wanting to leave.
But deep in my heart, I knew: this was the most important aspiration of my life. I prayed silently, asking for the Buddha’s blessings to keep my mother safe during my absence.
I attended the Great Life-Releasing Dharma Assembly at the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Culture and Art Museum on June 21, 2018, and the next day, the rare and magnificent Holy Heavenly Lake Dharma Assembly. Surrounded by thousands of disciples from around the world, we chanted the holy name of the Buddha in unison. It was a moment of unimaginable spiritual joy.
On June 25, I had the honor of meeting Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III once again. I tearfully reported my mother’s condition, and the Buddha, in His great compassion, smiled and said, “Haha, good!” That moment filled me with peace and hope.
When I returned home, I found my mother in excellent condition. Despite her diagnosis, she had never experienced unbearable pain, never lost her spirit, and continued her daily Buddhist recitations as usual. During Chinese New Year, even our relatives remarked in amazement: “She doesn’t look like someone with cancer at all!”
Her strength, peace, and recovery were nothing short of miraculous. We owe everything to the compassionate blessings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions, and the authentic Tathagata Dharma.
Through this journey, I have come to understand the impermanence of life, the inescapability of karma, and the painful cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. No one can escape their karmic debts. But through true Buddhist practice—guided by the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III—we can walk a path toward healing, liberation, and lasting peace.
May all beings awaken to the true Dharma, cherish the opportunity to learn from a living Buddha, and attain the freedom of body and mind through genuine practice.
Peace Pilgrim once said, “If you knew how powerful your mind is, you would never think a negative thought.” That quote stayed with me, but I didn’t fully understand its truth until I experienced it for myself—right in my own backyard.
At one point, we lived in a house with a large backyard that inspired me to plant organic vegetables. I imagined harvesting fresh, healthy produce and enjoying the process of nurturing life from the soil. Eager and hopeful, I bought a few small tomato plants from Home Depot and began tending to them daily. Watching them grow brought me joy and anticipation—I could almost taste the sweet, juicy tomatoes I dreamed of.
But as the plants began to bloom and bear fruit, trouble arrived. Large, green caterpillars appeared overnight, chewing through leaves and fruit, threatening to destroy the entire garden. My husband was furious and would crush them on sight. Wanting to find a gentler solution, I turned to friends for advice. One of them recommended a non-toxic spray from an organic farm store. It worked like a glue, blocking the insect’s skin so they couldn’t breathe and would suffocate to death.
When I heard that, I felt a sharp, suffocating sensation through my own skin. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t kill them—no matter how many tomatoes I might lose. These were living beings. Their lives mattered too. I decided then and there: I would not harm them.
And then, something remarkable happened.
The very next morning, my husband came to me in astonishment. “All the caterpillars are gone,” he said. “And there aren’t even any dead ones.” I went out to the garden. He was right. The insects had vanished without a trace.
Was it just a coincidence? I don’t believe so. I believe they sensed my compassion. I believe the power of a sincere, non-harming mind created a shift in energy that led to a quiet, unseen miracle.
Later, after I began studying Buddhism, I came to understand this experience on a deeper level. Through the Dharma transmitted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I learned the true meaning of the precept of “Not Killing.”
This teaching awakened a deeper sense of responsibility in me. I now strive to regard the suffering of all beings as my own, and I earnestly wish for every living being—my parents of infinite past lives—to live in harmony and peace.
I sincerely pray that all beings may enjoy happiness, good health, and abundant fortune. I constantly beseech all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to bless them, to help them escape suffering, to encounter and practice the true Buddha-dharma, and ultimately to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
This is not just a story about gardening. It is a story about the incredible power of our minds—and even more so, our hearts. When we choose compassion over destruction, mindfulness over impulse, miracles can happen.
Let kindness guide you. Let the power of your mind awaken something beautiful—not just in your life, but in the lives of all beings around you.
Peace LiLy 