Tag: San Francisco

The Miraculous Events Experienced Around the Buddha

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The Terrifying Adventure on Highway One from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Translated from the account recorded by Long Zhou Rinpoche

In the summer of 1998, I had the great honor and privilege of accompanying His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata on a journey to propagate and spread the Buddha-dharma. We formed a large group and were driving along Highway One, the Pacific Coast Highway, towards San Francisco.

As our motorcade navigated the winding mountain roads, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III instructed the driver to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows to let in the fresh air. The Buddha Master asked, “How do you like the air here compared to Los Angeles?” “Of course, the air here is better,” we all replied in unison. “Why?” asked the Buddha Master.Brother Chang, who holds a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, quickly responded, “Buddha Master, this is because in places with dense trees or close to the sea, the air contains a large amount of negative ions, which…” He began explaining the chemical properties. His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III patiently waited for him to finish and then asked, “What do negative ions look like?” We were all at a loss for words. The Buddha Master smiled but said nothing. A few minutes later, a ray of blue light suddenly entered the vehicle through the windshield, filling the air with a fresh and sweet scent. We were all left bewildered, not knowing what had just occurred. The Buddha Master turned to us and said, “Now do you know what negative ions look like? As practitioners, you cannot stay confined to theoretical discussions.”

Photo by Fabian Wiktor on Pexels.com

When we reached the Big Sur area, we were captivated by the breathtaking views. Suddenly, the Buddha Master directed us to drive onto a small road and stop. He walked towards a pavilion near the cliff’s edge and told us solemnly, “Demons will come to disturb us soon. Let us all calm our minds and recite the Heart Mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva without conversing or getting distracted.” At that moment, the sky was clear, and the sea was calm. Where would the demons come from? His Holiness gazed at the sky and performed mudras. Within minutes, strong winds began to blow, carrying sand and dust into the air, causing rocks to move. The tranquil sea turned into roaring waves, crashing against the shore, splashing as high as hundreds of feet. Even small rocks were thrown into the sky. It was a frightening scene. Witnessing this, we focused on our practice and recited the mantra loudly. Eventually, peace returned after His Holiness subdued the demons. He then imparted a teaching, “Among our group on this dharma propagation journey, there are rinpoches, great dharma teachers, and officers of the Institute and publishing house. Demons fear that the correct Buddha-dharma will benefit beings in the Western world, so they will do everything to obstruct us. However, there is no need to worry; the demons cannot harm you.”

Our journey continued into the night. The mountain roads were rugged, and it was dark. We sought a motel to stay for the night but faced difficulties finding one with available rooms. We even tried negotiating with the manager to let us stay in the lobby but were refused. We returned to the parking lot, feeling tired and cold. The temperature was around -2 degrees Celsius (29 degrees Fahrenheit).

His Holiness suddenly rolled down the window and warned us, “The demons are coming to harm you again. Quickly get into the vehicles and concentrate on reciting the mantra.” Before we could settle back into our seats, we heard eerie howls from the forest, drawing closer and closer.

We were chilled to the bone, our bodies shaking. At that moment, hunger and cold became insignificant as we focused solely on reciting the mantra. After a few minutes, we were startled by frantic knocking on the window. I looked out and saw His Holiness gesturing for me to come outside. He led me towards the forest, where he performed mudras towards dark shadows. “These shadows are demons. They are constantly seeking opportunities to attack us,” he explained. It took nearly half an hour to subdue the demons. By then, it was well past midnight, and His Holiness continued practicing dharma silently inside the vehicle. We still had not found a place to stay. Just as we were unsure of our next move, a Caucasian man approached us and kindly offered the use of his mansion. We were overjoyed and eventually arrived at the mansion after driving through the dark. Some of us prepared food in the kitchen, finding exactly fourteen sets of dinnerware and fourteen seats in the dining room—miraculously matching the number of people in our group. We were amazed by this inexplicable occurrence.

Early the next morning, we gathered on the mansion’s balcony, our fright and fatigue from the previous night vanished. The surrounding scenery was stunning, with valleys stretching endlessly and peaks surrounded by swirling clouds and mist. From east to west, the horizon was adorned with the silver light of the sea, waves crashing against the shore. As we enjoyed breakfast, we attributed our survival the previous night to the protection of dharma deities. His Holiness asked, “Is this what you disciples believe?”

Photo by Life Of Pix on Pexels.com

Our journey continued, fraught with dangers and crises as demons continued to pursue us. Fortunately, under the protection of His Holiness, we faced and overcame these challenges each time. Normally, the journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes a day or less, but this time it took us seven days and seven nights. Even if I spent seven days and nights recounting His Holiness’s merit and holy deeds, it would not suffice. Therefore, I have composed the following poem to express my profound gratitude:

The Supreme Buddha Vajradhara of all sects, Honored one with boundless unimaginable merit; His Holiness expounds the esoteric scriptures of the Tathagata, With great compassion, benefiting all sentient beings.

The roars of the Vajra Lion shake the Three Spheres, Praised by holy and virtuous dharma kings; Guiding master of humans and celestial beings, Never hesitating to save the suffering.

The Buddha Master’s kindness is as grand as Mount Sumeru, I can never repay his boundless favors; I pray for His Holiness to remain in this world forever, Manifesting a sacred realm within samsara!

Humble disciple, Long Zhou Recording the truth in this account

The Terrifying Adventure on Highway One from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/19/the-miraculous-events-experienced-around-the-buddha/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII#LongZhouRinpoche#BuddhaDharma #Tathagata #Compassion #SentientBeings #SanFrancisco #LosAngeles

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

linda changLeave a comment

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

On Saturday, February 4th, the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown were filled with the sounds and sights of the Chinese New Year parade. Thousands of people gathered to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.

The entire Chinatown was decorated in traditional Chinese style, adding to the already lively atmosphere. Street markets sold traditional Chinese goods and food, and the sounds of live music filled the air.

The parade, which started at 5 PM, was a highlight of the celebration. Floats, marching bands, and performers made their way through the crowded streets, bringing the excitement and energy to a whole new level. However, rain, showers and winds also joined the parade. That brought little bit uncomfortable to the crowds.

One of the highlights of the parade was the traditional lion and dragon dances, performed by skilled dancers dressed in colorful costumes. These dances are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year, and the crowds were enthralled by the displays.

In addition to local performers, marching bands from Southern California and Oregon also made the journey to San Francisco to participate in the parade. The diversity of performers added to the already rich cultural atmosphere, and showcased the strong connection between the different Chinese communities across the United States. Despite the rain and showers, the spirit of the event was not dampened, and it was a beautiful tribute to the start of a new year.

As a proud Chinese, I was thrilled to participate in the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Living in the United States is a privilege, as this great nation has an open heart that accepts and embraces diverse cultures. I hope to see the US play a leading role in promoting peace and harmony globally.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/08/celebrating-the-chinese-new-year-in-san-franciscos-chinatown/

#ChineseNewYear#ChineseCulture#SanFrancisco #ChinaTown#Parade

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

linda chang17 Comments

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

Hua Zang Si is my favorite sacred spiritual worship place in the bay area. In there I find peace, relaxation, and harmony, and a home for my soul. I have gone there many times, to chant the sutra, join the meditation sessions, and participate in Dharma assemblies.

Hua Zang Si, an impressive-looking temple located in the center of the Mission District in San Francisco. The building was formerly the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in 1903, and has been repurposed as a Chinese temple. To me it is really a friendly symbol that different religions can coexist in harmony.

The large outside facade of the temple is painted red color, made the building a very outstanding and eye-catching landmark in the neighborhood. Red is a good color in Chinese culture that symbolizes auspiciousness and warding off evil spirits。

Once entering the temple, I feel like I am in another world. The marvelous statue at the entrance of the temple is an oversize representation of a jolly, laughing Buddha: Maitreya Bodhisattva (the next Buddha in this Saha world). It is such a warm welcoming sign. The big belly not only means jolly, it also means tolerating those intolerable things in the world. So when you look at the statue, you will start to feel that learning Buddhism is happy and kind.

The right line of the couplet is “da du neng rong tian xia shi he lai bu rong zhi rong.” As self-cultivators, we should be like the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. We should have a broad mind, open heart, and great tolerance.
The left line of the couplet is “ren ru ke na fa jie jing qi shi you na zhong na.” The first priority for one who learns Buddhism and cultivates himself is to be patient and forbearing under insult. The thought of patience or tolerance does not arise from his mind. Everything in all of the dharma realms can change from ordinary to holy. 

Walking inside, the first floor is Shakyamuni Buddha Hall. The golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is a very dignified-looking Buddhist statue. On the left side is the one thousand-armed and one thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, an awe-inspiring statue. On the right side is Skanda Bodhisattva, a standing majestic full-body armored statue. With a sword in hand, Skanda Bodhisattva is a Buddha Dharma protector, and it is believed he can subjugate demons and evil spirits.

Shakyamuni Buddha
One thousand-armed and one thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva
Skanda Bodhisattva

The second floor is Amitabha Buddha Hall. The twenty-one-foot-high statue of Amitabha Buddha (designed by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) has been generally recognized as the most majestic Buddhist statue in the world. It is an extremely solemn sight. The color painted on the face is so lifelike, one feels like seeing the real Amitabha Buddha from western paradise. The Buddha’s eyes seem alive as well, looking down at all beings full of compassion and love. Every time when I look at the Buddha, I feel so moved and touched, tears fill my eyes. I can’t help but to kneel down and pray wholeheartedly: Please Buddha save me from the birth-death cycle, please take me to the western pure land. I feel my whole body melted into the compassionate gaze of the Buddha.

In the center of Amitabha Buddha hall, there is a large circular mandala on which a Yun sculpture (carved by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) depicting Mt. Sumeru is placed. In that Yun sculpture are shariras (sacred relics) of the Shakyamuni Buddha for worshipping.

Directly facing the Amitabha Buddha is a tall Dharma altar, there is a huge blue Dorje Chang Buddha image. Dorje Chang Buddha is also called Buddha Vajradhara or Ruler of the Vajra Beings. In the entire universe, Dorje Chang Buddha is the first Buddha with form and is the highest Buddha. That is, the highest leader of Buddhism in the entire universe came into being in the form of Dorje Chang Buddha. It was Dorje Chang Buddha who began transmitting dharma and saving living beings in the dharmadhatu. As a result, Buddhism was born and the Buddha-dharma began spreading.

In front of the image of Dorje Chang Buddha are photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  Dorje Chang Buddha has come to this world twice. The first time was in the form of the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who was Dorje Chang Buddha II. The second time was in the form of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, who is Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Dorje Chang Buddha III

These photos were true records of the holy miracle Buddha Dharma. On October 18, 2012, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III within ten minutes, reversed his appearance back to a youthful look. This incredible Buddha Dharma ever practiced successfully by Guru Rinpoche long time ago in Tibet.

A large Tibet thangkas hang on the north wall of the hall, it is about BRIEF BUDDHIST LINEAGE REFUGE TREE.

Hua Zang Si has many Holy Treasures , make sure you check them out at the corner of this hall as well.

The third floor contains a library of Buddhist scriptures.

The backyard — a city oasis in the shadow of surrounding Victorians — is home to a magnolia tree, which the faithful say rained nectar for three days, along with a miraculous lotus tub used in the bathing of the Buddha and heavenly beings.

Further back, there is Dharma protector pavilion, a statue of the Dharma Protecting Deity Guan Yu was installed inside.

Guan Yu took refuge in Master Zhiyi at Yuquan Hill. He then manifested great supernatural power and constructed the Yuquan Temple overnight on a barren lot, where he resolved to become a protector of Buddhism. That is why, upon the plea of many Buddhist practitioners, he was recommended to be the Dharma Protecting Deity of Hua Zang Si.

Hua Zang Si is different from other temples that propagate only one sect within Buddhism. It teaches all of the various sects within Buddhism. If you want to know and learn Buddhism, Hua Zang Si is the best place to start with.

Hua Zang Si has many Holy Treasures and Holy Manifestations, make it a very special and inspiring place worth visiting. Here is the website for details: http://huazangsi.org/en/home.php

Temple address is 3134 22nd St., phone: 415-920-9816.

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2022/04/27/a-close-look-at-hua-zang-si/

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