Tag: Religion

The Bell in the Horse’s Belly

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The Buddhist concept of cause and effect (karma) is truly an unfathomable truth

Long ago, deep in the mountains, there lived a Zen master named Wuguo（无果）, a practitioner wholly devoted to meditation. For more than twenty years, he was supported by a humble mother and daughter who offered him food and daily necessities so he could cultivate the Way without distraction.

As the years passed, Master Wuguo reflected deeply on his practice. Although he had dedicated his life to meditation, he felt he had not yet realized his true nature. A quiet fear arose in his heart: If I have not awakened, how can I truly repay the kindness of these offerings?

Determined to resolve the great matter of life and death, he decided to leave the mountain to seek instruction from other masters.

When the mother and daughter heard of his departure, they asked him to stay a few more days. They wished to sew him a monastic robe for his journey. At home, the two women worked carefully, chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha with every stitch, their hearts filled with sincerity. When the robe was finished, they also wrapped four silver ingots to serve as his travel funds.

Master Wuguo accepted their offerings and prepared to leave the next morning.

That night, as he sat quietly in meditation, a vision appeared. A young man dressed in blue stood before him, holding a banner. Behind him came a procession playing music and carrying a magnificent lotus flower.

“Zen Master,” the youth said, “please ascend the Lotus Seat.”

Master Wuguo remained calm. He reflected inwardly: I am a Zen practitioner, cultivating meditative concentration. I have not practiced the Pure Land path. I should not become attached to visions. Even for a Pure Land practitioner, such an experience could be a delusion.

He ignored the vision.

Yet the youth returned again and again, urging him earnestly not to miss this rare opportunity. Finally, Master Wuguo picked up his small hand-bell (yinqing) and placed it on the lotus seat. Soon after, the youth and the entire procession vanished.

The next morning, as Master Wuguo prepared to depart, the mother and daughter hurried toward him in distress. Holding the hand-bell, they asked anxiously:

“Master, is this yours? Something very strange happened last night. Our mare gave birth to a stillborn foal. When the groom cut it open, he found this bell inside. We recognized it immediately and rushed to return it—but we cannot understand how it came from a horse’s belly.”

Upon hearing this, Master Wuguo broke into a cold sweat. Deeply shaken, he composed a verse:

One monastic robe, one sheet of hide;
Four silver ingots, four hooves inside.
Had this old monk lacked the power of Zen,
Your stable is where I would have been.

In that moment, he clearly understood the law of cause and effect. By accepting the robe and the silver, he had created a karmic debt. Had his mind been even slightly attached—to the vision, to the offerings, or to the idea of reward—he would have been reborn as a horse in that very household, laboring to repay what he had received.

Immediately, Master Wuguo returned the robe and the silver to the women and departed.

Because he did not cling to extraordinary visions, he escaped rebirth in the animal realm. An ordinary person, upon encountering such sights, would have grasped at them, fallen into delusion, and continued revolving in the cycle of rebirth.

This story reveals a profound truth: the realms are not distant places—they arise from the mind itself.

When the mind dwells in craving and greed, it becomes the realm of the Hungry Ghosts, endlessly desiring yet never satisfied.
When the mind dwells in anger and resentment, it becomes the Asura realm, filled with conflict and struggle.
When the mind is clouded by ignorance and confusion, it sinks into the Animal realm, driven by instinct and karmic habit.

In our daily lives, we often fixate on external things—lust, fame, wealth, comfort, indulgence—believing we cannot live without them. Yet we fail to see that all phenomena arise from causes and conditions. When conditions gather, things appear; when conditions disperse, they vanish. None possess a fixed or permanent essence.

Reflect carefully:
Is there anything in this world we can truly hold onto forever?

Since nothing produced by conditions can be owned, lasting happiness cannot be found through possession or attachment. True happiness arises from non-attachment, from seeking nothing and clinging to nothing. When the mind releases its grasp, it becomes light, clear, and free.

So we may ask ourselves:

Can we remain at peace amid changing emotions?
Can we stay calm in the face of conflict?
Can we remain unmoved by fame and profit?
And when the moment of death arrives, can our mind remain clear and mindful?

The law of cause and effect never errs.
What we cultivate in the mind today shapes the world we inhabit tomorrow.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/07/the-bell-in-the-horses-belly/

A Delegation of Buddhist Town visited Bhutan

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At the invitation of Rev. Chandima of the Sri Lanka Cultural and Educational Foundation, members of Buddhist Town joined a delegation to Bhutan to participate in the Global Peace Festival, held in celebration of the 70th birthday of the Fourth King of Bhutan. The trip was co-organized by the Buddhist Town Community Association, with participating organizations including Fa Chan Temple, Macang Yuan, Holy Vajrasana Temple, and the Canadian Institute of Buddhist Studies, among others. In total, 68 representatives took part in this meaningful event.

As part of the visit, the delegation donated 500 sets of essential baby supplies, offering prayers for happiness, health, and well-being for every family. The donation ceremony was attended by the Director of Bhutan’s Ministry of Health, who officially received the supplies. Following the ceremony, the donated items were distributed on-site to pregnant women and mothers with newborns by members of the delegation.

The delegation jointly sponsored the offering of 3,000 butter lamps and respectfully invited Master Shin Zhengda Jaozun to preside over the 3,000 Butter Lamp Offering Ceremony at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Paro. The prayers were dedicated to world peace, the removal of obstacles, the averting of disasters, and the flourishing and propagation of the True Buddha Dharma.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 demon-subduing temples built by King Songtsen Gampo. Established in 638 CE, it stands as one of Bhutan’s most sacred and historically significant temples.

Dasho Passang Dorji, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, formally welcomed the Buddhist Town delegation at Paro International Airport. Following the reception, the delegation embarked on an inspiring journey to visit sacred sites associated with Guru Padmasambhava and to learn how Zhabdrung Rinpoche further propagated and established Guru Padmasambhava’s lineage teachings throughout Bhutan.

During the journey, the delegation visited many major temples and sacred sites, including the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu (21st century), Punakha Dzong (17th century), the Druk Wangyal Chortens—also known as the 108 Stupas (21st century), Chimi Lhakhang (15th century), Khewang Lhakhang (15th century), and Gangtey Monastery (17th century), among others.

The final highlight of the journey was the ascent to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (8th century), dramatically perched at an elevation of 3,100 meters above sea level. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this sacred site, where he subdued negative forces and later spread Buddhism throughout Bhutan, becoming the foundational figure of Bhutanese Buddhism.

By Original: Nina R from AfricaDerivative work: UnpetitproleX – Paro Taktsang, BhutanThis file was derived from: Paro Taktsang, Bhutan (49694480001).jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=163890881


With an elevation gain of more than 900 meters and steep mountain trails, the pilgrimage requires a 7–8 hour round-trip hike. Throughout the journey—visiting sacred sites, receiving blessings, paying homage to the Buddhas, and experiencing deep spiritual inspiration—the delegation was filled with immeasurable Dharma joy and boundless gratitude.

At every point along the path, it felt as though the land itself was gently reminding the delegation that all worldly phenomena are impermanent and ever-changing, and that only the true Dharma of the Buddha remains eternally unchanged.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/02/a-delegation-of-buddhist-town-visited-bhutan/

Source: https://lirp.cdn-website.com/9890f458/dms3rep/multi/opt/BT+Newsletter+EN+-+202511-1920w.png

Walking for Peace, Step by Step

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The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, who are undertaking a 2,300 mile pilgrimage of Walk for Peace, arrive for a welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

In a world that often feels rushed, divided, and relentlessly loud, there is something quietly revolutionary about the act of walking.

Recently, a group of Buddhist monks began a long, demanding pilgrimage across the United States. Their mission is simple yet profound: to promote peace. Their journey began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26. Since then, they have faced the literal “wear and tear” of the road, including a harrowing incident where two monks were injured after a truck struck their escort vehicle.

Yet, they did not stop.

With perseverance and a calm, unshakable resolve, the group of two dozen monks has reached Georgia. They are still moving, one step at a time, toward their final destination in Washington, D.C. Their pace is slow, deliberate, and intentional—and that may be exactly what our world needs right now.

Buddhism has a long history of “engaged mindfulness”—the idea that compassion isn’t just felt in meditation, but lived in the world. These monks are not just praying for peace; they are embodying it.

As they navigate highways and back roads, they offer a living reminder that peace isn’t a destination we reach once and for all. It is a practice. It is something we choose moment by moment, breath by breath, step by step.

Watching their progress brings me back to a book I read nearly 30 years ago: Peace Pilgrim.

I remember being deeply moved by her story—how she walked across countries carrying almost nothing, guided by the conviction that peace begins within the individual. At the time, I wished I could have met her in person, just to thank her for the way her simplicity and courage planted a seed in my heart.

Though she is gone, her spirit feels remarkably present today. I see her legacy in the orange robes of these monks as they crest the hills of the American South.

Monks rest at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Igniting Kindness, One Heart at a Time

There is something profoundly moving about a walking pilgrimage in the age of instant communication. There are no hashtags here. No viral outrage. Just human beings placing one foot in front of the other, trusting that their presence alone can soften the world.

And it works.

Along the way, the “ordinary” world reacts. Drivers slow down. Strangers stop to ask questions. People offer water, a meal, or a simple smile. In these small, unscripted exchanges, something gentle is awakened. We are reminded that beneath our political and social differences, we all share a basic human longing for safety, understanding, and harmony.

The monks may be the ones doing the walking, but the kindness they ignite along the way belongs to all of us. As they recently shared on their Facebook page:

“We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.”

A group of Buddhist Monks and several hundred local community members take part in the Walk for Peace in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday December 23, 2025. The Monks are walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote peace and compassion.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Most of us cannot drop everything to walk across a continent. But all of us can “walk for peace” in the geography of our own lives.

  • We can pause before we react in anger.
  • We can choose compassion over the reflex of judgment.
  • We can listen more deeply than we speak.

Watching these monks continue their journey despite injury and uncertainty reminds me that peace isn’t achieved through grand, sweeping gestures. It is built patiently through humility and love.

Step by step.

May their walk remind us to slow down, to soften our hearts, and to keep moving—together—toward a more peaceful world.

Photos from https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/buddhist-monks-peace-walk-thousands-follow-on-social-media/3962302/ and https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/01/walking-for-peace-step-by-step/

Kumbum Monastery: The Sacred Birthplace of a Master and the “Three Wonders” of Tibetan Art

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In the southwestern suburbs of Xining, where the air grows thin and the spirit grows light, stands one of the most significant sites in the Buddhist world: Kumbum Monastery.

Known in Tibetan as Kumbum Jampa Ling, meaning “A Supreme Temple of a Hundred Thousand Lion’s Roar Buddha Images,” this sprawling complex is far more than just a collection of buildings. It is a living monument to Lama Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Legend of the Golden Tree

Unlike many temples built to house statues, Kumbum was built to house a pagoda.

Legend tells us that Tsongkhapa was born here in 1357. When his mother cut his umbilical cord, drops of blood fell to the earth, and from that spot grew a miraculous sandalwood tree—the “Tree of Great Merit.” It is said this tree had 100,000 leaves, each bearing a natural image of the Buddha.

Years later, when Tsongkhapa was studying in Tibet, his mother sent a letter begging him to return. He replied that he could not leave his studies, but sent a self-portrait and a “Lion’s Roar” image, instructing her to build a pagoda over his birthplace. “Seeing this pagoda,” he promised, “is the same as seeing me.” In 1379, the Julian Pagoda was built, forming the sacred heart of what would become Kumbum Monastery.

Kumbum is world-renowned for its harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan and Chinese Han architectural styles.

1. The Eight Pagodas of Buddha Shakyamuni

Greeting visitors in the front square are eight gleaming white pagodas. Built in 1776, they commemorate the eight great merits and virtues of Buddha Shakyamuni. Each stands 6.4 meters tall, decorated with delicate Sanskrit scriptures and guardian lions, serving as a powerful symbol of the monastery’s spiritual authority.

2. The Grand Golden Tiled Hall

This is the soul of the monastery. With its gilded copper roof and emerald glazed-tile walls, the hall radiates a celestial glow. Inside, you will find an 11-meter-tall golden tower wrapped in white sandalwood and encrusted with jewels. At its peak sits a statue of Tsongkhapa. For pilgrims, meeting this tower is considered a direct meeting with the Master himself.

3. The Main Assembly Hall

Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, this is the center of monastic life. Under a flat roof adorned with gilded bronze bells and “Aquarius” vases, hundreds of monks gather to recite sutras. The interior is a sensory masterpiece of colorful streamers and intricate carvings.

Dhammapala Hall

The “Three Artistic Wonders” of Kumbum

Kumbum is celebrated throughout Asia for its “Three Arts,” which represent the peak of Tibetan craftsmanship and devotion.

I. Vivid Yak Butter Sculptures

In the freezing depths of winter, when fresh flowers were unavailable for offerings, monks began carving flowers from yak butter. This evolved into a sophisticated art form. In the Yak Butter Sculpture Hall, you can see entire landscapes, pavilions, and deities crafted with impossible detail. To keep the butter from melting while they work, monks must dip their hands in ice water—a true testament to their endurance and faith.

II. Imaginative Barbola (Embroidered Appliqué)

Barbola is a unique form of 3D silk embroidery. By layering silk and cotton, artists create raised patterns that give the figures of Buddhas and animals a lifelike, three-dimensional appearance. The “Sixteen Disciples of Buddha” housed in the Main Assembly Hall are considered national treasures.

III. Exquisite Murals

The walls of Kumbum are alive with color. Using special mineral pigments that remain vibrant for centuries, these murals depict the life of Shakyamuni and scenes from the sutras. During the Sutra-viewing Festival, a massive 30-meter-long Buddha scroll is unfurled on the hillside, a breathtaking sight known as the “Great Buddha Exhibition.”

Kumbum Monastery hosts four major Dharma assemblies annually, held during the first, fourth, sixth, and ninth months of the lunar calendar. These gatherings are a blend of traditional festivals and grand religious events unique to the monastery. During these times, the temple comes alive with sacred activities, including monastic debates, mask dances, and sutra chanting.

A highlight of these fairs is the Cham Dance, where monks wear ornate masks and vibrant costumes, using dramatic gestures to express profound Buddhist teachings to the rhythm of cymbals and suonas (traditional horns). One of the most awe-inspiring sights is the Giant Thangka Unveiling, where a massive, delicate image of Tsongkhapa is unfurled down the mountainside. For the faithful, witnessing this Thangka is considered a direct and holy encounter with the Master himself.

Thangka Exhibition during the Buddha Festival

In July 2006, this sacred temple issued its formal recognition and congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters:

Under auspicious circumstances, we were happy to learn of the publication of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma—Complete Proficiency in Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism and Perfect Mastery of the Five Vidyas about the Buddha Vajradhara, H.H. Master Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. His Holiness’s outstanding accomplishments are unprecedented. We respectfully send this letter of congratulations and joyfully offer our praise.

His actions and mind are pure, and His good fortune and wisdom are limitless.
He benefits myriad living beings, and His willpower never tires.
His powerful virtue is widespread, and His appearance is completely dignified.
He truly abides in peace and His accomplishments are perfect!

Qinghai Skuvbum Monastery
An auspicious day in July of 2006

Below is the original copy of the recognition letter in Chinese:

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/26/kumbum-monastery-the-sacred-birthplace-of-a-master-and-the-three-wonders-of-tibetan-art/

Source: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/qinghai/xining/kumbum-monastery.html

The Enlightened Woodcutter: The Story of Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen

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In the annals of spiritual history, few figures are as revolutionary as Huineng (慧能), the Sixth Patriarch of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. His life story is a profound testament to the idea that enlightenment is not reserved for the elite or the scholarly, but is the inherent birthright of every human being.

Known for the iconic verse you mentioned—“Bodhi originally has no tree”—Huineng transformed Zen from a complex Indian philosophy into the direct, spontaneous practice we recognize today.

Huineng’s journey did not begin in a monastery. He was born into a poor family in 7th-century China and worked as an illiterate woodcutter to support his widowed mother.

His life changed in an instant when he overheard a traveler reciting the Diamond Sutra. Upon hearing the line, “Depending upon nothing, the mind arises,” Huineng experienced a sudden moment of clarity. This “sudden awakening” became the hallmark of his future teachings.

Driven by this experience, he traveled to the Dongshan Monastery to seek guidance from the Fifth Patriarch, Hongren.

Huineng’s status as an illiterate outsider meant he was initially assigned to the kitchen to hull rice. When the time came for the Fifth Patriarch to choose a successor, he asked his disciples to write a “mind-verse” to demonstrate their understanding.

The lead disciple, Shenxiu, wrote a verse emphasizing constant, diligent practice:

“The body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a bright mirror on a stand. Take care to wipe it always, and let no dust collect.”

Huineng, hearing the verse, realized it missed the ultimate truth of emptiness. He dictated his now-famous response to be written on the wall:

“Bodhi originally has no tree. The bright mirror on a stand is also not real. From the beginning, not a single thing exists. Where, then, can dust collect?”

Hongren recognized Huineng’s superior realization and secretly passed him the robe and bowl—the symbols of the Patriarchy—in the middle of the night, instructing him to go into hiding until the time was right to teach.

Huineng eventually emerged from hiding and began teaching at Nanhua Temple. His impact on Buddhism was so immense that his teachings were recorded in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. This is the only Buddhist scripture not spoken by a Buddha to be officially granted the title of a “Sutra.”

His major achievements include:

  • The Southern School of Zen: He founded the “Southern School,” which emphasizes “Sudden Enlightenment” (Dunwu) over gradual study.
  • Democratizing Wisdom: He taught that the “Buddha-nature” is present in everyone, regardless of literacy or social status.
  • The Foundation of Zen: Nearly all surviving Zen lineages (including Japanese Zen and Korean Seon) trace their ancestry back to Huineng.

A Living Legacy: The Whole-Body Relic

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of Huineng’s story is his physical departure from this world. In 713 AD, Huineng entered Nirvana, but his body did not decay.

To this day, his whole-body relic (mummy) is enshrined and preserved at Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. For over 1,300 years, devotees have traveled to the temple to pay respects to the Sixth Patriarch. His physical presence remains a powerful symbol of the “Diamond Body”—the incorruptible nature of a truly enlightened mind.

Huineng reminds us that we do not need to look outside ourselves for wisdom. As he famously taught, our original nature is pure, and enlightenment is simply the act of seeing through the “dust” to the emptiness that was there all along.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/25/the-enlightened-woodcutter-the-story-of-huineng-the-sixth-patriarch-of-zen/

Four Major Buddhist Organizations Jointly Hold Dharma Assembly in Southern California to Celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha

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PASADENA, CA — Four major Buddhist organizations—the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple, Hongfa Temple, and Sanger Mission—recently held a joint Dharma Assembly at the Grand Hall of Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha, the Lord of the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.

The assembly was presided over by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda, Vice Chair of the W.B.A.H. and a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade II. Hundreds of devotees from across California and overseas attended the ceremony.

The assembly officially commenced at 10:00 AM. Inside the Grand Hall, the sounds of bells, drums, and rhythmic chanting filled the air, creating a solemn and serene atmosphere. Led by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda and Venerable Ruohui, Abbot of Hua Zang Si and Hongfa Temple (a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade I), the monastics and Rinpoches guided the congregation in prostrations and the sincere recitation of the Amitabha Sutra.

Following the recitation, a Grand Offering was performed. Incense, flowers, lamps, fresh fruit, and various offerings were presented before the Buddha. With pure and respectful hearts, the faithful prayed for all sentient beings to be free from suffering and attain happiness. The organizers stated that beyond celebrating the Holy Birthday, the merits of the sutra chanting and offerings were dedicated to world peace, the cessation of war, social harmony, and the longevity, health, and spiritual growth of all beings.

The Compassionate Vows of Amitabha Buddha

According to Buddhist scriptures, Namo Amitabha Buddha is the “Amitabha Buddha of the West” among the Five Dhyani Buddhas and is a disciple of the primordial Buddha, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha. During his past cultivation, Amitabha Buddha made 48 Great Vows to deliver sentient beings from the sea of suffering to the Pure Land. Upon the perfection of his vows and attainment of Buddhahood, he established the pure and majestic Western World of Ultimate Bliss. He is currently the Lord of that realm and the Head of the Lotus Section of the Vajrayana teachings.

During an interview, Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda remarked:

“Today, we gathered to recite the Amitabha Sutra and pray for blessings. The devotees showed great sincerity in their chanting and repentance, expressing deep gratitude for Amitabha Buddha’s salvation. We should emulate the vast compassion of Amitabha Buddha and all Buddhas of the ten directions. We pray that Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Namo Amitabha Buddha, and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless the world with peace and prosperity, protecting all beings from disaster.”

Bhikkhuni Zhengqin of Hongfa Temple shared her reflections on cultivation, noting that after facing many hardships in life, studying the true Buddha Dharma provided her with inner peace. She highlighted the book Learning from Buddha as a “treasured guide” that offers clear direction for practitioners.

Another attendee, Ms. Wu Guangling, shared that over ten years of practice have taught her to face life’s challenges with equanimity. She quoted an ancient virtuous saying to describe her mindset: “Face negative karmic effects with composure, while planting good causes as if treading on thin ice.”

Jon, a first-time attendee, was moved by the experience:

“Seeing everyone chanting so sincerely was impressive. I’ve never chanted with so many people before, and I hope to have the chance to attend such an assembly again.”

As the assembly concluded, the monastics sprinkled holy water over the crowd, blessing them with longevity and wisdom. The organizers noted that the event not only allowed the faithful to draw closer to the Dharma but also united the community in a spirit of goodness. The W.B.A.H. expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged everyone to integrate the Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives to contribute to social harmony and world peace.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/25/four-major-buddhist-organizations-jointly-hold-dharma-assembly-in-southern-california-to-celebrate-the-holy-birthday-of-amitabha-buddha/

Soure:https://www.lvcnn.com/mobile/news.php?id=53336&fbclid=IwY2xjawO6-fVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBLOUppYVFtakJTdTVQZ2lCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhvg1fwXl2bM0R8XeGCWLQm7es3AZjeWAyKNXi_bwvFPJIFkkusyhiVWMvHU_aem_8XmEedReeBUhmcCtsr1weg

Zhenru Chan Temple: Where Chan Practice Lives in Mountains and Daily Life

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Zhenru Chan Temple is nestled on the southwestern slopes of Yunju Mountain in Jiangxi Province. Surrounded by peaks said to resemble unfolding lotus petals, the landscape is poetically described as “lotus peaks clustering around Huatai.” Huatai, the mountain’s central peak, anchors this natural harmony. Here, architecture, terrain, and spiritual intention merge seamlessly, creating a setting that feels both grounded and quietly transcendent.

Even before understanding its history, one senses that this is a place shaped not to dominate nature, but to listen to it.

The name Zhenru (真如) means “True Suchness”—a fundamental concept in Chan Buddhism that points to ultimate reality as it is, beyond words, labels, or conceptual thinking. It is not something to be grasped intellectually, but something to be directly experienced.

Founded during the Tang Dynasty (806–810), Zhenru Chan Temple is regarded as the cradle of the Caodong School of Chan Buddhism, which later spread to Japan as the Soto Zen tradition. Revered as one of China’s three great model Chan monasteries, the temple has long been a center for authentic practice. Though the present structures were rebuilt in the 1950s, they preserve the simplicity and elegance of traditional Chinese monastic architecture.

Chan in Action: Meditation and Farming as One Path

One of Zhenru Temple’s defining characteristics is its embodiment of the Chan principle that “agriculture and meditation are equally emphasized.” Monks here did not retreat from life; they engaged it fully.

Alongside meditation, monks cultivated tea fields and farmed the land. This was not merely practical—it was spiritual. Farming ensured self-sufficiency in the remote mountains, freeing the monastery from reliance on external donations. More importantly, working the soil was understood as a form of Chan practice: repetitive, mindful, intimate with the rhythms of nature.

In the Caodong tradition, there is no division between the sacred and the ordinary. Plowing a field is no less sacred than chanting a sutra. The monks alternated between sitting meditation and physical labor, living out the Chan maxim:

“A day without work is a day without food.”

This principle is traditionally attributed to the Tang-dynasty Chan master Baizhang Huaihai (720–814), a disciple of Mazu Daoyi and a key figure in establishing Chan monastic regulations. His teaching reminds us that awakening is not found apart from daily life, but revealed within it.

Master Xu Yun: Reviving the Living Dharma

Zhenru Chan Temple is also inseparably linked to Master Xu Yun (1840–1959), one of the most revered Chan masters of modern China, often described as a rare master who embodied and transmitted the lineages of five Chan schools in a single lifetime.

When Master Xu Yun arrived at Zhenru in the early 20th century, the temple lay largely in ruins. With unwavering resolve, he led an extensive restoration—rebuilding halls, pagodas, and monastic quarters with the support of disciples and lay donors. More than physical reconstruction, he revived strict monastic discipline and rigorous meditation practice, restoring the temple’s spiritual vitality.

Zhenru ultimately became the place where Master Xu Yun passed away, completing a life devoted to the Dharma.

Earlier in his life, Master Xu Yun experienced a profound awakening during intensive meditation at Gaomin Temple in Yangzhou at the age of fifty-six. In his autobiography, he described the experience with clarity and restraint:

“In the purity of my single-mindedness, I forgot my body entirely. After twenty days, my illness disappeared. From that moment on, my practice continued day and night without interruption… One evening after meditation, I opened my eyes and saw a brightness like broad daylight, in which everything inside and outside the monastery was clearly visible.”

Yet what makes his account especially powerful is what followed. Master Xu Yun did not cling to the experience. He recognized it as a mental state—not an ultimate attainment—and continued his investigation with humility and perseverance, asking relentlessly:

“Who is mindful of the Buddha?”

Later, he commemorated a moment of deep insight triggered by the simple sound of a teacup breaking in the Chan hall, capturing Chan’s direct and unadorned wisdom in a verse:

A cup fell to the ground,
The sound rang clear and sharp.
Space itself shattered—
The restless mind came to rest.

This is primarily a video demonstration of the moving meditation practiced at Zhen Ru Chan Temple. 

Zhenru Chan Temple is more than a historical site. It is a living reminder that Chan practice is not confined to silence or retreat, but woven into how we walk, work, and meet the ordinary moments of life.

Here, mountains teach stillness.
Labor teaches humility.
Meditation teaches clarity.

And together, they point quietly back to true suchness—not somewhere else, but right where we are.

Click here for more details about Gaomin Temple Chan meditation

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/19/zhenru-chan-temple-where-chan-practice-lives-in-mountains-and-daily-life/

Xiaoxitian Temple: A Masterpiece Carved into the Mountain

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Xiaoxitian, originally known as Qianfo’an (The Hermitage of a Thousand Buddhas), was founded in the second year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty (1629). It stands atop Phoenix Mountain, about one kilometer west of Xixian County in Linfen, Shanxi Province.

Built entirely in harmony with the mountain, the temple unfolds in layers, as if it had grown naturally from the slope itself. Stone steps lead visitors upward, passing through courtyards divided by arched cave-like gateways. The upper, middle, and front courtyards are connected yet distinct, creating a spatial rhythm that is winding, intimate, and quietly profound. As one walks through the complex, footsteps instinctively slow, and time itself seems to soften.

The architecture of Xiaoxitian is restrained rather than ostentatious, yet its mastery reveals itself everywhere. Painted beams are elegant and dignified, and many of the halls are ingeniously built as two-story structures, creating a rich sense of vertical space within the limited mountain terrain. The bell and drum towers stand in stillness, inviting the imagination to wander back to an age when morning bells and evening drums echoed through the valley.

Stepping into the Mahavira Hall is a moment of sudden awe. Nearly the entire interior is filled with suspended polychrome sculptures—more than 1,900 figures, layered from floor to ceiling. From towering Buddhas over three meters high to figures no larger than a thumb, the sculptures are densely arranged yet never chaotic, solemn yet vibrantly alive. In that instant, one understands why Xiaoxitian is revered as the “Museum of Chinese Hanging Sculpture Art.”

Unlike many Buddhist temples that draw attention primarily to their principal Buddhas, the Mahavira Hall at Xiaoxitian is celebrated for the immersive world it creates as a whole. At its core stand the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Shakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya, but surrounding them unfolds an entire celestial realm: the Ten Great Disciples, six young novices, the Ten Wisdom Kings, the Six Desire Heavens, and countless heavenly musicians dancing through the air.

Most unforgettable are the celestial musicians suspended within the tiered “sky pavilions” above the altars. Their figures are light and graceful, sleeves flowing as if caught in an eternal breeze, frozen in a moment of unending heavenly music. Some play the pipa, others hold flutes, while some seem to dance midair. One pipa-playing figure, leaning slightly forward with fingers poised on the strings, radiates such focus and elegance that one can almost hear the melody drifting across centuries.

Looking up toward the roof, the tri-colored glazed chiwen ornaments—yellow, green, and blue—gleam softly in the light. Their refined brilliance reflects the unmistakable aesthetic of the Ming Dynasty. Here, architecture, sculpture, and color merge seamlessly, and one forgets that this is a mountain temple at all. It feels instead like stepping into a floating Buddha realm, suspended between earth and sky.

That these sculptures have survived nearly four hundred years in such vivid detail inspires deep reverence. They represent not only the pinnacle of craftsmanship, but also a profound devotion—to faith, to beauty, and to a harmonious vision of the cosmos.

Perhaps what truly moves the heart at Xiaoxitian is not only the astonishing number of its hanging sculptures or the rare Ming Yongle Northern Buddhist Canon once preserved here, but something more enduring: a spiritual presence that has remained vibrant across centuries. It quietly reminds us that beyond the noise of the modern world, there still exists a place of serenity and dignity—carefully upheld by time itself.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/17/xiaoxitian-temple-a-masterpiece-carved-into-the-mountain/

Recognitions & Congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III from Father of Medicine, Ferryboats, Bridges, and Operas in Tibet in a Previous Life: H.E. Dharma King Tangtong Gyalpo

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Recognitions and Congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III from Father of Medicine, Ferryboats, Bridges, and Operas in Tibet in a Previous Life: H.E. Dharma King Tangtong Gyalpo

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

A Buddha Truly Recognized as Such in Accordance with the Dharma

The people on both sides of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III on this page are the highest present-day dharma kings and regent dharma kings from various Buddhist sects or are famous rinpoches. It is they who wrote recognitions, corroborations, or congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the first Buddha on earth to have received such a large number of recognitions, corroborations, and congratulations and to have been recognized as having the highest status! No other Rinpoche on earth has ever received even one third of the number of recognitions, corroborations, and congratulations from great dharma kings, regent dharma kings, etc. that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has received. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has singlehandedly manifested accomplishments in thirty large categories involving all of the Five Vidyas, thereby establishing the highest record of accomplishment in the history of Buddhism in this world.

Certain evil people have slandered H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as having conferred upon Himself the status of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and they have thereby guided Buddhist practitioners toward evil. In order to protect the wisdom roots of living beings, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III makes the following vow of truth: “If those recognitions, corroborations, and congratulations that follow did not come from the dharma kings, regent dharma kings, and rinpoches whose photographs appear on this page of from their temples and/ or are not copies of the original texts but rather are my fabrications with forged signatures – if even one such case exists – then i should descend into hell without the possibility of ever leaving hell. If those recognitions, corroborations, and congratulations were written or typed by them as well as signed and/ or stamped by them, the merit of this truth will bring to everyone wonderful blessings and wisdom! Vow Maker- Dorje Chang Buddha III“

  • FATHER OF MEDICINE, FERRYBOATS, BRIDGES, AND OPERAS IN TIBET IN A PREVIOUS LIFE: H.E. DHARMA KING TANGTONG GYALPO

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is a greatly accomplished person within Tibetan esoteric Buddhism who attained the rainbow body. In a prior life in Tibet, he was the supreme dharma king of the four main sects esoteric Buddhism. He is a great Bodhisattva known and respected by one and all in Tibet. He is also a person of great holiness who has made huge contributions to the Tibetan people. It was this great Bodhisattva who was the father of medicine, ferryboats, bridges, and operas in Tibet. To this day, Tibetan temples and families continue to worship H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva.


H.E. the 16th Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva (Thangtrul Rinpoche) took birth in Bhutan. His physical appearance resembles that of Guru Padmasambhava. Even when he sleeps, his eyes remain open. During a Dharma Assembly that took place in 2005 at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, he entered a supernatural state of samadhi in which he saw H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo said to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that he had received teachings directly from Guru Padmasambhava. He also said that he specially came to formally acknowledge H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as his Master and to request the highest dharma in order to save living beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III immediately accepted H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo as one of his disciples who is on the level of a great venerable one and performed an initiation for him. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo organized many rinpoches to practice the Kuan Yin Dharma one billion times as an offering to the treasure book about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He also sent his written congratulations stating that the magnificence of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is supreme and that no other holy being in history can compare with this master of the Buddhas.

H.E. Dharma King Tangtong Gyalpo, the Father of Medicine, Ferryboats, Bridges, and Operas in Tibet in a previous life, acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (H.H. Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu) as his Master, who is unanimously recognized by great holy beings as the true incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, the Master of the Five Buddhas, having manifested complete mastery of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and the Five Vidyas.
H.E. Dharma King Tangtong Gyalpo, the Father of Medicine, Ferryboats, Bridges, and Operas in Tibet in a previous life, acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (H.H. Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu) as his Master, who is unanimously recognized by great holy beings as the true incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, the Master of the Five Buddhas, having manifested complete mastery of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and the Five Vidyas.
Recognition and Congratulation to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III from H.E. Dharma King Tangtong Gyalpo

United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters:

Please convey my respects to H.H. Master Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu!

During a Dharma Assembly held by the International Buddhism Sangha Association at the Hua Zang Si temple in San Francisco, I saw the awe-inspiring and peerless powers and realization of the Master. Bodhi nectar went through the walls of the bowl unhindered as it left and entered the bowl. That nectar can make a person’s body change involuntarily in an instant. H.H. Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu bestowed upon me that holy bowl. H.H. Dharma King Sakya Trizin; Dharma King Omniscience Jamyang Lungdok Gyaltsen; Lama palchug Ugyen Sherab; Dharma King Renzeng Nima; the Eastern Tibetan Dharma King of the Nyingma sect, Renqing Rongbo Barongbo Rinpoche; the Green Jewel Crown karmapa, Dharma King Jiezong; and other great, holy and virtuous beings who are on the levels of Buddhas and Mahasattvas unanimously acknowledge that H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu is the true incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, the Master of the Five Buddhas, and has for the first time in the history of Buddhism in the human realm truly manifested complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas. This is a goal of Buddhism that all other Buddhists have not been able to achieve. This goal has finally been achieved by H.H. Master Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. This is an honor to Buddhism and a blessing to living beings.

May the seven types of Buddhist disciples hear the true dharma taught by H.H. Great Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, and may they soon realize enlightenment!

I respectfully offer my congratulations!

The 16th Khangtrul Rinpoche
Dec 26,2006

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Discover more recognitions and congratulatory letters to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Link: https://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/recognitions-and-congratulations-to-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-from-father-of-medicine-ferryboats-bridges-and-operas-in-tibet-in-a-previous-life-h-e-dharma-king-tangtong-gyalpo/

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Listening to the Dharma: A Treasure Greater Than Gold

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This ancient Buddhist narrative reveals a timeless truth: the value of spiritual wisdom far outweighs any material wealth. It is a powerful reminder to cherish the opportunity to hear and practice the true teachings.

The story begins with the aunt of Shakyamuni Buddha. Out of deep love and devotion, she wove a magnificent robe for him, intricately threaded with gold. It was a labor of heart, an offering fit for an enlightened one.

Yet when she presented it, the Buddha gently advised her to give the robe instead to the entire monastic community—the Sangha.

This puzzled her. The garment was made especially for him. Why give it away?

The Buddha explained with compassion:

“The Field of Merit provided by the Sangha is vast and boundless. Offer it to them, and the virtue you gain will be immeasurable. To give to the Sangha is to give to me.”

Moved by this wisdom, she offered the robe to the monks. Out of humility, none dared to accept it—except Bodhisattva Maitreya, the future Buddha.

Wearing the golden robe, Maitreya went into the city to receive alms. His majestic presence, radiant in that resplendent garment, astonished the townspeople. They were mesmerized—so much so that they forgot to offer him food.

Among them was a master bead-stringer. Captivated, he invited Maitreya to his home for a meal. Afterward, he requested a Dharma discourse.

The artisan listened with such joy and absorption that he forgot everything—including an urgent commission from a wealthy patron who had paid him generously to craft a wedding ornament worth one hundred thousand coins.

When the client’s messengers arrived repeatedly to collect the finished piece, they found him entirely engrossed in listening to the teachings. Enraged, the wealthy man demanded back his jewels and the full down payment.

The artisan’s wife was devastated. Facing such a financial loss, she scolded him bitterly:

“By simply finishing that order, you would have earned a great fortune. Instead, you threw it all away listening to philosophy!”

The artisan felt a wave of regret wash over him.

Sensing this inner turmoil, Maitreya gently asked, “Will you come with me to the monastery?”

The artisan nodded.

Back at the monastery, Maitreya posed a question to the venerable Arhats:

“Which carries greater merit: listening to the Dharma with a joyful heart, or earning a great fortune?”

One by one, the senior monks affirmed that nothing can compare to the merit of hearing the true teachings.

Venerable Kaundinya declared:

“Receiving ten thousand pounds of gold cannot compare to offering even a single bowl of food to a virtuous practitioner. And listening to the Dharma with pure faith—even for a moment—surpasses that merit by hundreds of millions of times.”

Four other Arhats repeated this profound truth.

Finally, Maitreya asked Venerable Aniruddha why this was so.

Aniruddha replied:

“In a past life, I offered just one bowl of food to a Pratyekabuddha. Because of that single offering, for ninety-one world cycles I was reborn as a Heavenly Emperor and a human King, enjoying peace and prosperity. In this life, I was born into the same clan as the Buddha, and came into this world with a natural treasure field forty li wide.”

Hearing this, the bead-stringer felt his regret dissolve. Joy filled his heart. He understood the treasure he had received was far beyond the hundred thousand coins he had lost.

This ancient story is far more than a tale. It invites us to reflect deeply on the power of the Dharma.

Listening to the Truth is not merely an intellectual exercise.
It opens the heart.
It awakens wisdom.
It strengthens the willpower needed to transform our deepest flaws and afflictions.

Material wealth is limited and fleeting.
The merit gained from receiving the Dharma is limitless, enduring, and life-changing.

And yet the opportunity to listen does not always come easily. Conditions shift. Circumstances change. None of us can guarantee the next moment of life, much less another chance to sit peacefully and hear teachings that can liberate us from suffering.

When the causes and conditions ripen—when the Dharma reaches our ears—we must listen wholeheartedly.

We must not assume tomorrow will come.
We must not assume our hearts are already pure.
We must not assume we know enough.

The greatest freedom comes only when we break the cycle of birth and death and attain effortless liberation. Every moment of listening, every spark of understanding, moves us closer to that awakening.

This story encourages us to treasure every opportunity to hear the teachings, to recognize that spiritual wisdom is the greatest wealth of all, and to remember that even a moment of true Dharma listening can bring blessings far beyond the measure of gold.

In this Dharma-ending age, we are truly blessed that an ancient Buddha has come into our world to reveal the authentic, uncorrupted Dharma. The recorded discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III guide practitioners through a clear and progressive path of cultivation, offering incisive teachings that encompass the essence of the twelve divisions of the Tripitaka and the ten divisions of the esoteric scriptures. Nothing is diluted or lost—each teaching preserves the profound meaning of both the exoteric and esoteric Dharma. These discourses illuminate an extraordinary range of topics, from the principles of the Trikaya and the Four Wisdoms of a Buddha to the supreme vajra Dharma of the highest division. They reveal the true realization of the Great Perfection of Ultimate Wisdom, and through the Xian Liang Buddha Wisdom Great Perfection Dharma, disciples may even personally witness the rainbow-body state on the very day the Dharma is transmitted. In both theory and practice, the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stand complete, perfect, and unparalleled—an immeasurable blessing in this age of fading Dharma.

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