As winter blankets the northern regions of China, the city of Harbin transforms into a breathtaking wonderland, captivating visitors with its stunning ice and snow sculptures. Known as the “Ice City,” Harbin hosts the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, one of the largest and most spectacular winter festivals in the world.
Every year, from early January to late February, Harbin comes alive with vibrant ice and snow displays that showcase the incredible artistry and creativity of sculptors from around the globe. The festival features massive ice castles, intricate sculptures, and dazzling light displays that create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The main venue, the Harbin Ice and Snow World, spans over 600,000 square meters and is filled with stunning structures made entirely of ice blocks harvested from the nearby Songhua River.
Marvel at the Sculptures
Walking through the festival is like stepping into a dream. You’ll find life-sized replicas of famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and St. Basil’s Cathedral, all crafted from glistening ice. The attention to detail is astounding, with artists using colored lights to enhance the beauty of their creations. Each year, the sculptures reflect a different theme, ensuring that no two festivals are alike.
Engage in Winter Activities
Beyond the awe-inspiring sculptures, Harbin offers a plethora of winter activities to keep visitors entertained. Ice skating, snow tubing, and even ice swimming are just a few of the thrilling experiences you can enjoy. For those seeking a more leisurely pace, horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-covered landscape provide a charming way to soak in the winter scenery.
Cultural Experiences
Harbin is not just about ice and snow; it’s also a city rich in history and culture. The influence of Russian architecture is evident throughout the city, particularly in the stunning St. Sophia Cathedral. Take the time to explore the local cuisine as well, with hearty dishes like dumplings and hot pot that are perfect for warming up after a day in the cold.
If you’re considering a trip to Harbin, be sure to dress warmly! Temperatures can drop well below freezing, so layers, thermal clothing, and insulated boots are essential. The best time to visit is during the festival, but the beauty of Harbin’s winter landscape can be enjoyed throughout the snowy season.
Nestled in the serene mountains of Qinghai Province, Dangkar Monastery stands as a sacred sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in Qianjin Village, Jiegu Subdistrict, Yushu City, this revered monastery traces its origins back over 800 years to its founder, Bacha Daodai (the First Tumuchuje). As a spiritual stronghold of the Karma Kagyu lineage, it has long been a place of devotion, practice, and enlightenment.
A Monastery Born from Divine Signs
Dangkar Monastery is perched along the slopes of Zhazeng Dasa Mountain, its architectural design harmonizing with the natural landscape. The monastery’s structure is said to resemble Avalokiteshvara in a state of serene repose, with the lower part forming the mystical image of eight dragons coiling beneath, signifying divine protection and spiritual power.
The monastery’s foundation is deeply intertwined with auspicious omens. Following the guidance of his master, Dusum Khyenpa, Bacha Daodai ventured to the Gyeri mountains in Kham, where he meditated in the sacred Godtsang Karmo Cave. During the search for a suitable site to build the monastery, several miraculous signs emerged. One such event remains legendary—faced with a lack of water, Bacha Daodai plunged his staff into the earth, and from that very spot, a pure spring gushed forth. To this day, this sacred water source continues to flow, known as the nectar spring of Dangkar Monastery.
Trials of Destruction and the Path to Revival
The monastery has faced its share of hardships. Between 1958 and the Cultural Revolution, Dangkar Monastery suffered severe destruction, with all its buildings reduced to ruins. But in 1981, the 18th Dumu Quji Rinpoche embarked on a mission to restore this sacred site. The early days of reconstruction were fraught with difficulties—there was no funding, no infrastructure, and no resources. To finance the project, Rinpoche sold his sisters’ personal offerings, including dzi beads and coral, using the proceeds to procure wood from Suman Township, a region abundant in timber.
Transporting materials was an arduous journey, plagued by treacherous roads and unpredictable weather. Vehicles often became trapped in deep mud, forcing monks and workers to spend nights in the wilderness without food. When the timber finally arrived, another challenge arose—there was no accessible road to the monastery. Everything had to be manually carried up the mountain, plank by plank, through sheer human perseverance. After years of relentless effort, the first rebuilt assembly hall was completed. (Notably, the 17-pillared hall that stands today was built entirely by hand, using timber painstakingly transported from Suman Township.)
A Legacy of Spiritual Dedication
Despite financial constraints, Dumu Quji Rinpoche’s vow to serve sentient beings never wavered. Over the years, he oversaw the construction of essential facilities, including the Lama Institute, the Dharma Protector Hall, and two retreat centers. These retreat centers remain vital spaces for deep meditation—one dedicated to the Six Yogas of Naropa (Mahamudra) and the other to Dzogchen teachings, each accommodating up to 30 lamas.
In 1994, responding to an invitation from the Hong Kong Karma Kagyu Center, Rinpoche traveled to Hong Kong to spread the Dharma. His teachings soon reached disciples across Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Huizhou, and Shanghai, drawing practitioners from all over China’s southern coastal regions.
A Thriving Spiritual Community
Over the past two decades, Dangkar Monastery has risen from the ashes of destruction to become a flourishing center of Buddhist practice. Under the compassionate guidance of Dumu Quji Rinpoche, the monastic community has grown to include approximately 200 lamas, making it one of the largest Karma Kagyu monasteries in the Yushu region.
Stepping into the grand assembly hall, visitors are greeted by majestic Buddha statues and the resonant echoes of sacred chants that purify the soul. The atmosphere exudes an aura of deep serenity and divine presence, inspiring all who enter to contemplate the path to enlightenment.
Within Tibetan Buddhism, the Jonang sect has been known around the world for the true practice of its followers. There currently are two dharma kings who are in charge of the dharma teachings of the Jonang sect. One of them is the head of the Zangwa Monastery, H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje. The other is H.H. Dharma King Ngagwang Pedma Namgyal Palzangpo of the Longshijia Monastery. There is also a young future sect leader, Jianyang Lezhu Rinpoche, who is vice-head of the Zangwa Monastery.
When Shakyamuni Buddha lived in the world, H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje Rinpoche was already a great Bodhisattva in that lifetime. H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje was born in 1944 accompanied by various amazing auspicious signs that cannot be fully described. As a child, he never did anything to upset his parents, such as crying or acting in a common, childish way. He was very much different from other children. The masters of a monastery, as well as the monastics and laypersons in that monastery who handled monastery matters, all praised the child as being the incarnation of a wonderful Bodhisattva who had come back to this world voluntarily. Later, he went to the headquarters of the Jonang sect, the Zangwa Monastery in Rangtang, where he worshipped the Buddhas. His uncle, the Sai Rinpoche by the name of Awang Genga Phuntsok who lived at the Zangwa Monastery, saw that this child was the incarnation of a holy being. In accordance with the dharma, Awang Genga Phuntsok Rinpoche recognized that the child was the true reincarnation of a rinpoche who had been the head of the Zangwa Monastery. In accordance with the dharma rules, Lama Danba Daji from Xiayan, Lama Aguoba from Hongtu, and others practiced the dharma, entered holy supernatural states, and confirmed the accuracy of Awang Genga Phuntsok Rinpoche’s conclusion. They then made their formal pronouncements concerning the identity of H.H. Jigme Dorje. Moreover, the International Buddhism Sangha Association held an unprecedented Drawing Lots From a Golden Vase Ceremony to affirm the true reincarnated identity of H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje and others. There were ten possible identities recognized by various rinpoches. One lot was drawn from among 120 lots to affirm the true reincarnated identity of H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje. That drawing affirmed that H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje is the incarnation of Shambhala King Suchandra, which is the reincarnated identity that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III recognized before that lot was drawn.
After the formal enthronement ceremony for H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche was performed at Saige Monastery in Aba County and the celebration of the enthronement ceremony was performed at Zhuoge Monastery, the rinpoche returned to Zangwa Monastery. The intelligence of the rinpoche is extraordinary. He was able to thoroughly learn and recite the scriptures, treatises, and rituals without having to exert himself. He later served as a disciple under his root master, Awang Gongqiu Daji, who was the Vajra Master of the Zangwa Dazang Monastery and the 44th Kalachakra Dharma King of the Jonang sect. Under H.H. Awang Gongqiu Daji, the rinpoche learned and practiced the five preliminary practices of the Jonang sect and the generation and completion stages of the Kalachakra Vajra the Six Yogas. He reached perfect merit in every dharma he practiced.
When the rinpoche was eight years old, he succeeded to the throne of the head of the Zangwa Monastery. However, at this time, his uncle, the Sai Rinpoche, and H.H. Dharma King Awang Gongqiu Daji predicted to H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche that changes in the world situation would occur that would be disadvantageous to Buddhism. They told the rinpoche to go back to Aba County and that in the future, when the world situation stabilizes, he should return to the Zangwa Monastery and teach the dharma. Afterward, the Sai Rinpoche passed away and later H.H. Dharma King Awang Gongqiu Daji passed away as well. H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche then went to Aba County, where he requested and received the complete precepts from Lama Tujihua of Sai. He later served as a disciple under another root master, Lama Kesang, who is the nirmanakaya of the Eleven-Faced Kuan Yin Bodhisattva. Under Lama Kesang, the rinpoche learned all of the initiation and lineage teachings. During this time period, he both herded goats and cultivated himself in caves, tree holes, and other places while traveling from mountain to mountain. He realized the state of viewing all phenomena as equal and the state where the mind is not affected by the situation one encounters. Thus, he became a free and unhindered person of great accomplishment in the dharma. He then lived in a cave, where he continued his practice of the dharma.
After the restraints on religion were slightly eased, the supreme leader of the Jonang sect, H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu of the Zangwa Monastery in Rangtang, twice dispatched people to the cave at the Zilang Monastery in Aba County (that was the cave in which Maji Lazun practiced the Xiduan Dharma) where the rinpoche was staying. H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu did so based upon the formal pronouncements of certain great masters of the past. When those dispatched arrived, they invited H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche to go to the Zangwa Monastery and lead the teaching of the Buddha-dharma. There was a third visit when H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu himself went to that cave at the Zilang Monastery, bringing with him a kharda (white silk scarf). When the two venerable ones met, they praised each other. H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu repeatedly urged H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche to follow the formal pronouncements of those great masters of the past by going to the Zangwa Dazang Monastery, by leading the teaching of the Buddha-dharma of the Jonang sect at that monastery, and by being the monastery’s retreat lineage Vajra Master. H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche then gave his response to the formal pronouncements of those three masters of the past (H.H. Dharma King Gongqiu Daji, the Sai Rinpoche, and Lama Kesang) that he must go to the Zangwa Monastery in Rangtang. He respectfully said to H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu, “Your merit and cultivation are like those of my father. You are my master. I will carry out your instructions well!”
After H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche returned to the Zangwa Monastery at Rangtang, he helped H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu restore the monastery and build Buddhist statues. The rinpoche performed initiations and dharma transmissions at regular intervals and guided those on retreat. He perpetuated the dharma teachings of the Jonang sect in this human world and propagated such teachings around the world.
In accordance with the rules handed down by the historical masters, H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu personally handed over to H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche in 1998 certain precious objects passed down through the generations by past masters, such as a vajra bell, a vajra, and the writing called “Guiding Text You Will Know Its Meaning When You See It.” He also formally conferred upon H.H. Jigme Dorje Rinpoche the positions of 47th dharma throne holder of the Jonang Kalachakra lineage and 11th Vajra Master of the Zangwa Dazang Monastery. After H.H. Dharma King Yundan Sangbu passed away, H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje became the supreme leader of the Jonang sect.
After H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje saw who His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu is through the limitless omniscience displayed in A Treasury of True BuddhaDharma, he stated that His Holiness Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu has reached the highest state of Buddhahood in the few-thousand-year history of Buddhism, having truly attained complete.
CONGRATULATIONS United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters: On behalf of the Jonang sect, I hereby respectfully congratulate H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu for directly propagating in this world the teachings of Buddhism. Such teachings have benefited countless living beings in their practice of the dharma and have caused countless living beings to obtain deep blessings and wisdom. The book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma especially shows this Buddha’s complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas. Such superlative accomplishments are truly unprecedented in the past few thousand years, outshining the accomplishments of all others, both ancient and modern. His Holiness is a shining paragon among Buddhas. May this inexhaustibly mighty light and power of compassion continue so that His Holiness forever teaches the dharma and forever remains in the world. I place my palms together and respectfully praise His Holiness.
I respectfully prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu! Supreme Dharma King of the Jonang Sect Jigme Dorje May 8, 2007
In this exquisite artwork, the slightly reddish small animal depicted is an extraordinarily rare and precious creature known as the red panda, also referred to as the small panda. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, with His masterful artistic techniques, brings this delicate creature to life in a way that captivates the viewer’s heart.
The red panda, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, is known for its striking reddish-brown fur, bushy ringed tail, and expressive face. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III skillfully captures these natural features, emphasizing the panda’s endearing innocence and elegance. The slightly upturned tail, adorned with subtle yet distinct spots, adds a dynamic sense of movement and charm. This tail gracefully echoes the surrounding elements of nature, blending harmoniously with the drooping round leaves of the willow branches. The careful balance between the animal and its environment enhances the visual poetry of the piece.
A particularly remarkable aspect of this painting is the technique used to depict the panda’s face. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III employs a calligraphic brushstroke style, reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink painting, to portray the panda’s features with simplicity yet profound expressiveness. The crystal-clear, soulful eyes seem to glisten with life, while the velvety black fur is rendered with such fluidity and precision that it conveys both softness and texture.
Through masterful control of brush pressure, ink flow, and color layering, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III achieves a perfect balance of realism and artistic interpretation. Each stroke reveals deep insight into both the subject’s physical form and its spiritual essence, a hallmark of true artistic mastery.
The meticulous attention to detail and the profound artistic wisdom evident in this painting reflect H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s extensive experience and unparalleled skill. This artwork is not merely a visual delight but a spiritual expression, reminding viewers of the beauty and fragility of life and the interconnectedness between all living beings and nature. It stands as a testament to the profound depth of both artistic technique and compassionate vision embodied in the works of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Charity Event: “Love Without Limits” Donation Drive Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (The Hua Zang Si Temple held a Dharma Assembly to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha)
The San Francisco Hua Zang Si Temple, inaugurated on December 26, 2004, upholds and promotes the genuine teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the incarnation of the primordial Buddha, and the World-Honored Shakyamuni Buddha, extending boundless compassion and kindness to all beings.
Guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Hua Zang Si Temple has actively participated in various charitable activities for many years, including organizing New Year entertainment events in nursing homes, assisting with hospital relocations, providing food relief to disaster-affected areas, and holding garage sales, with all proceeds donated to vulnerable groups. The temple expressed their hope that this spirit of helping others will continue to flourish: “In acts of kindness, seeds of virtue grow, a family that sows goodness finds happiness in full flow.”
Photo Courtesy: Natty Kao (Nuns from Hua Zang Si Temple and volunteers from the Dharma-Protecting Fellowship of Hua Zang Si donated items to San Francisco Marin Food Bank.)
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Hua Zang Si launched a month-long charity drive titled “Love Without Limits” in November, supporting animal rescue centers, homeless and low-income families, and local food banks. On the morning of December 15, a Dharma Assembly was held to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha, praying for world peace and the well-being of all people. The afternoon featured a 20th-anniversary performance and raffle, attended by nearly 300 people.
By December, Hua Zang Si had collected a total of 812 items, categorized into three main types: 241 animal supplies, including dog collars, walking harnesses, pet carriers, and disposable puppy pads; 211 baby and cookware items, including baby bottle drying racks, baby bodysuits, air fryers, and cookware sets; and a total of 2,265 pounds of food, including rice, pasta, and other food items. On December 11, nuns from Hua Zang Si Temple and volunteers from the Dharma-Protecting Fellowship of Hua Zang Si delivered these items to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), and the San Francisco Marin Food Bank.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (The abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple awarded 20 years’ service awards to volunteers.)
As the first cage-free rescue organization in the U.S. and California’s first nonprofit dedicated to rescuing senior dogs, Muttville has rescued nearly 13,000 senior dogs over the past 17 years, providing support for about 100 senior dogs each month. The generous donations from Hua Zang Si were gratefully received, greatly aiding in the care and rehoming efforts for these senior dogs.
The San Francisco Marin Food Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger in San Francisco and Marin counties, distributed over 60 million pounds of food this year, thanks in part to Hua Zang Si’s year-end support. In these regions, one in five people faces food insecurity, and the temple’s contributions have significantly bolstered the food bank’s efforts. The donated food from the temple will be utilized in various community programs, including after-school programs, Boy and Girl Scouts, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (The abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple awarded 10 years’ service awards to volunteers.)
The Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP), a renowned family support center in the U.S, serves over 4,000 vulnerable families each year, particularly aiding mothers seeking assistance during pregnancy and parenting. The temple’s donations have significantly enhanced HPP’s ability to support mothers and children facing life challenges.
On the afternoon of December 15, the 20th-anniversary celebration was held in the main shrine of Hua Zang Si, featuring live performances of several classic philosophical songs with lyrics written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, cello performances of various songs, a mesmerizing Tibetan dance, and an exciting raffle with numerous prizes. The event provided a visual and auditory feast for nearly 300 attendees. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt group sing-along of “Buddha Holding My Hand,” bringing the 20th-anniversary festivities to a perfect close.
Looking ahead, Hua Zang Si will continue to serve as a beacon of love and care within the community. They hope more people will join in these acts of kindness, creating a warm, loving, and harmonious society together.
The above article is from the World Reporter, December 23, 2024.
Bamboo of Noble Integrity By Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang
Bamboo, as a plant with profound cultural significance, carries rich and diverse symbolism. It represents resilience, noble character, vitality, humility, modesty, harmony, and unity. With its graceful posture and vibrant green appearance, bamboo evokes a sense of freshness and refinement. Though its exterior is simple and unadorned, it embodies a noble inner quality. This unique temperament has made bamboo a symbol of integrity and uprightness. In ancient times, it often served as a metaphor in the writings of scholars and poets for individuals of high moral character and self-discipline.
For the Chinese, admiration for bamboo has endured throughout history. Countless poets and literati have celebrated its virtues, grouping it alongside plum blossoms, orchids, and chrysanthemums as one of the “Four Gentlemen,” embodying the character and aesthetic spirit of the Chinese people. Bamboo’s simplicity belies its profound cultural significance. In traditional Chinese culture, it is a symbol of auspiciousness and virtue, carrying layers of meaning that resonate deeply with the human spirit.
Professor Wang’s Chinese paintings of bamboo are a testament to her extraordinary ability to bring this cultural icon to life. Each stroke captures the essence of bamboo’s resilience and unyielding spirit while emphasizing its humility and integrity. Her works not only celebrate the elegant charm of bamboo but also evoke its vibrant vitality and enduring strength.
Professor Wang’s Artwork “Noble Spirit of Humility”
The artwork “Noble Spirit of Humility“ depicts a cluster of bamboo deep within a dense forest. Two tall and robust bamboo stalks stand prominently in the foreground, their lush branches and leaves rendered in bold ink. Behind them, a few smaller bamboo stalks, delicately painted in lighter ink, appear to lean on the larger ones, as if embraced by Mother Earth. Together, they form a unified group, advancing and retreating in harmony.
Look closely, and you’ll see their branches intertwine amidst the clouds, and their roots tightly clasp together underground. Neither torrential rain nor fierce winds can break them down. The bamboo’s unyielding resilience is vividly and profoundly brought to life.
Dr. Yuhua Shouzhi Wang was recognized and chronicled in the United States Congressional Record as “a great artist and sculptor,” and “treasure of the world.” In 2013, President George Christophides of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations (WFUCA) conferred the title “2013WFUCA” to one of her artworks.
The artwork “The Charm of Bamboo” conveys the fresh and elegant essence of bamboo, exuding a gentle and harmonious beauty. It seems to remind us that in life and work, we should not only take responsibility but also foster an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect. The use of varying ink tones, alternating between light and dark, strikes a balance of simplicity and ingenuity, greatly enhancing the dynamic energy of the piece.
Dr. Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s bamboo paintings are truly exceptional. Through her art, she vividly conveys bamboo’s noble qualities, leaving viewers with a deep appreciation for this remarkable plant and its timeless symbolism. Her work serves as a bridge between nature and art, reminding us of the profound lessons we can draw from the natural world.
Yaqing Monastery, located in Achang Township, Chatai District, Baiyu County, Sichuan Province, is a prominent monastery of the Nyingma tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. Established in 1985 by Jamyang Lungtok Gyaltsen Rinpoche (Achuk Lama), this spiritual sanctuary is nestled in the tranquil Changqu River Valley, surrounded by verdant mountains. The Changqu River divides the monastery, creating “Nuns’ Island,” the world’s largest monastic community exclusively for female practitioners, known as chömos (nuns).
Achuk Lama, a revered Nyingma master, revitalized the lineage through profound teachings, especially the Dzogchen Great Perfection practice. Concerned about the lack of spiritual opportunities for women in Tibetan Buddhism, he established Yaqing Monastery as a space for equality and enlightenment. His efforts granted chömos a platform for rigorous training, embodying the compassionate and egalitarian principles of the Buddha’s teachings.
Achuk Dharma King
Yaqing Monastery is renowned for the intense dedication of its practitioners. The chömos are celebrated for their strict retreats, such as the famed “Hundred-Day Retreat,” where they meditate in small wooden huts with minimal provisions, focusing entirely on spiritual purification and self-realization. This disciplined way of life reflects their unwavering devotion and sets Yaqing Monastery apart as a beacon of spiritual depth and discipline.
Though young in its establishment, Yaqing Monastery has become a vital site for Tibetan Buddhism. Its unique role as a center for female monastics and its connection to the profound teachings of the Great Perfection have drawn pilgrims and practitioners from across the globe. Achuk Lama’s wisdom and compassion, coupled with the exceptional spiritual commitment of the chömos, have elevated Yaqing Monastery into a symbol of devotion, equality, and spiritual excellence.
Through its rich history, natural beauty, and spiritual depth, Yaqing Monastery continues to inspire countless individuals on their path to enlightenment, offering a sacred space where the wisdom of the Nyingma lineage flourishes.
On the slopes near Nuns’ Island, there are small huts known as “matchbox houses,” created from single wooden boxes just large enough for one person to sit inside. These structures are scattered across the hills and serve as meditation spaces for monks and nuns during the winter “Hundred-Day Retreat,” a period of intense spiritual practice and seclusion.
Each practitioner here embodies solitude and quiet perseverance. Every morning at sunrise, the lamas and chömos of Yaqing Monastery walk towards the surrounding mountains, beginning their daily practice of kora—circumambulation. Their steps are unwavering, driven by their devotion to the Buddha. From sunrise to sunset, their journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual pilgrimage, symbolizing the pursuit of liberation and the transformation of future lives.
Yaqing Monastery, with its unique geographical setting, profound spiritual significance, and the compassionate aspirations of Achuk Rinpoche, provides humanity with a sacred haven filled with light and hope for the soul.
Autumn is often called “Golden Autumn,” a name inspired by the vibrant yellow hues of trees and plants that adorn the season. Among them, the ginkgo tree stands out, its radiant golden leaves creating a spectacle often described as “magnificent” and “resplendent.” This season marks the peak of the ginkgo tree’s beauty, transforming landscapes into breathtaking golden vistas.
A Living Fossil of Resilience
The ginkgo tree, also known as Ginkgo biloba or the “maidenhair tree,” is a living fossil, dating back over 150 million years. It is the sole survivor of an ancient plant lineage, standing tall as a testament to nature’s endurance. With its unique fan-shaped, two-lobed leaves that turn brilliant yellow in fall, the ginkgo has earned its place as a symbol of both beauty and longevity.
This ancient tree boasts remarkable regenerative powers. Mature ginkgo trees often give rise to thriving saplings, symbolizing vitality and the continuation of life. In Chinese culture, this resilience is likened to familial prosperity, embodying aspirations for blessings and generational success.
Medicinal Value and Modern Research
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ginkgo has significant medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses its leaves and seeds for various remedies. Today, modern science highlights ginkgo leaf extract for its rich antioxidant content and potential benefits for brain function, circulation, and overall well-being.
A Sacred Symbol in Buddhism
In Chinese tradition, the ginkgo tree holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It symbolizes purity, endurance, and good fortune. Within Buddhism, the ginkgo is revered as the “Buddha tree,” representing enlightenment and spiritual resilience. Its longevity and abundant fruit make it a substitute for the sacred Bodhi tree in many temples.
During autumn, the ginkgo’s golden canopy creates a serene atmosphere in temple grounds, harmonizing with the red walls and golden roofs. This visual splendor evokes reverence and awe, inspiring mindfulness and devotion among practitioners.
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Ginkgo Tree at Xi’an’s Guanyin Zen Temple: A 1,400-Year-Old Beauty
The Thousand-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree at Tanzhe Temple, titled the “Emperor Tree” by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, is an extraordinary natural treasure. Standing over 24 meters tall with a trunk diameter exceeding 4 meters, it takes six or seven people joining hands to encircle its massive base. The tree’s canopy spans an area of more than 600 square meters, providing ample shade. Estimated to be over 1,300 years old, this tree is a testament to resilience and history.
Ginkgo Tree at Tanzhe Temple
Dinghui Temple, a favorite spot for Suzhou residents to photograph ginkgo trees, is home to two towering, century-old ginkgo trees standing prominently in front of the main hall. In autumn, their golden leaves cascade to the ground, creating a dazzling and picturesque scene. (photos from https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20231105A07FBH00)
Suzhou City: DingHui Temple
At the ancient Huiji Temple, Nanjing City, three venerable ginkgo trees, each over 1,500 years old, grace the temple grounds. As autumn arrives, their golden leaves blanket the treetops, creating a breathtaking contrast against the temple’s white walls and dark-tiled roofs. The scene resembles a magnificent ink-wash painting, captivating visitors with its timeless beauty. (photos from https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20231105A07FBH00)
Artistic and Symbolic Significance
The ginkgo tree’s durable and fine-grained wood is prized for carving Buddha statues, earning it the moniker “Buddha’s fingernail.” Its leaves, resembling flames, symbolize light and warmth. In Buddhist tradition, the golden hue of ginkgo leaves reflects the nobility and purity of the Buddha’s body, which represents eternal light and wisdom.
The Buddha’s golden body, seen as untainted and impervious to worldly suffering, mirrors the ginkgo’s enduring nature. Similarly, the Buddha’s radiance is believed to dispel darkness, illuminate ignorance, and guide all beings toward compassion and enlightenment.
A Tree of Light and Legacy
The ginkgo tree, with its awe-inspiring beauty and profound cultural significance, is more than just a tree—it is a symbol of life, hope, and spiritual awakening. Its golden leaves remind us of the light within, inspiring resilience and reverence for nature’s timeless wisdom.
As we marvel at the ginkgo tree’s breathtaking beauty and the profound symbolism it holds, let it also serve as a gentle reminder of our responsibility to protect the natural world. These ancient trees, along with the countless wonders of nature, depend on our collective efforts to preserve their existence. By cherishing and safeguarding our planet, we ensure that future generations can continue to experience and draw inspiration from the harmonious balance and enduring wisdom of nature.
The practice of life release originates from Mahayana Buddhist scriptures and has been widely practiced in mainland China, Tibet, and also spread to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and neighboring regions. The act of life release is rooted in the compassionate principle of equality among all beings and the karmic understanding of the cycle of birth and death. As the saying goes, “If you take half a pound from others, you will have to repay eight ounces.” Abstaining from killing while also practicing life release brings even greater merit, and there are countless historical accounts of miraculous responses and blessings resulting from such acts.
In Volume 4 of the Miscellaneous Treasures Sutra, there is a story about a novice monk and his teacher. The teacher foresaw that the novice monk would pass away within seven days and advised him to return to his family home, asking him to come back after seven days, without explaining why.
On his way home, the novice monk came across a broken pond, where water was flooding an anthill.
The ants were frantically trying to escape, but their speed was no match for the rushing water. Seeing that countless ants were about to drown, the novice monk used his robe to carry soil and blocked the breach in the pond, saving all the ants.
After seven days, the novice monk returned to his teacher. The teacher, upon seeing him alive, was astonished and asked what had happened during those days. Mistakenly thinking he was being accused of wrongdoing, the novice monk fearfully replied that he had done nothing. The teacher, being an Arhat, used his divine vision and discovered that the novice monk had performed a small yet significant act of kindness by saving the ants from drowning.
This single compassionate act altered the novice monk’s karmic fate, extending his lifespan and allowing him to live a long life until his natural passing.
The Profound Teachings Behind Life Release
The practice of releasing lives is deeply rooted in Buddhist scriptures:
The Chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra states: “Living beings cherish their lives above all, and Buddhas cherish living beings above all. To save the lives of living beings is to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of the Buddhas.”
The Brahma Net Sutra on the Bodhisattva Precepts states: “If a disciple of the Buddha practices life release out of compassion, they should regard all men as their fathers and all women as their mothers, for in every life, they are born through them. Therefore, all beings in the six realms are like one’s own parents. To kill and eat them is akin to killing one’s parents or oneself. When witnessing the slaughter of animals, one should strive to protect and relieve them from their suffering. Furthermore, one should teach and explain the Bodhisattva Precepts, guiding and saving all sentient beings.”
The Sutra on Distinguishing the Origin of Good and Evil reveals: “The Buddha said: In this world, if one possesses a compassionate heart and refrains from killing, they will gain five blessings: longevity, physical well-being, freedom from harm, rebirth in the heavens, and a long life when returning to the human world. Those who live to a hundred years today owe it to their abstention from killing in past lives.”
These teachings emphasize that compassion is both a passive and active virtue. While refraining from killing is essential, taking proactive steps to save lives embodies the true spirit of Buddhist teachings.
October 29 marks the Day of Releasing Lives, a profound observance dedicated to the protection and liberation of living beings. This day calls for the nurturing of compassion, the accumulation of virtue, and the cultivation of good karma. Initiated in 2009 by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, this practice symbolizes an enduring commitment to compassion and liberation. Following a major Buddhist event, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III designated this day as a global occasion for the compassionate release of captive lives, inspiring a tradition now embraced worldwide.
The 2024 Life Release Event: A Global Act of Compassion
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee | Vice President of World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Jiaozun Zhengda, presided over the Dharma Assembly on the Buddha-Stipulated Day of Releasing Lives.
The gathering featured the release of thousands of fish back into the ocean, accompanied by the recitation of the Heart Sutra. Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, led the prayers and delivered an inspiring address on the significance of the occasion. She emphasized the need for ongoing acts of compassion and the responsibility to protect living beings wherever and whenever they face suffering.
Jiaozun Zhengda explained that the practice of releasing lives arises naturally from the precept of refraining from killing. While refraining from harm is virtuous, actively saving lives elevates compassion to its highest form. This principle is at the heart of the teachings of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Shakyamuni Buddha.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee | Hundreds of Buddhists from all over the world attended the Dharma Assembly of Releasing Lives.
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee | Participants released captive fish into the ocean
Participants shared profound reflections on the event. Watching the fish swim freely into the ocean became a moving symbol of resilience, freedom, and the boundless compassion of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. For many, this practice reaffirmed their vows to live with kindness, respect all life, and emulate the selflessness of the Buddhas.
The Day of Releasing Lives is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a reminder that compassion knows no boundaries of time or space. Through the release of captive lives, Buddhists actively demonstrate their commitment to fostering a world of harmony and peace.
A Global Call for Compassion
As we observe the Day of Releasing Lives, let us remember that every act of compassion matters. By choosing to release lives, we contribute to a legacy of kindness that transforms our world. May this day inspire all of us to nurture compassion, protect life, and cultivate peace for the benefit of all beings.
Holy Miracles Temple, located at 1730 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA, serves as a sanctuary dedicated to teaching the true Dharma of the Tathagata, as transmitted by Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Shakyamuni Buddha, guiding disciples on their path to liberation and spiritual accomplishment. Grounded in the Buddha’s teachings and fueled by boundless compassion, the temple’s core mission is to selflessly serve humanity. Its hope is for people in America and across the globe to embrace Buddha Dharma, cultivating love for their country, fellow people, and the world. Through mutual support, peace, kindness, and auspiciousness, the temple envisions a strong nation with thriving citizens and a world brimming with joy and happiness.
In these challenging times, when suffering and catastrophe touch so many, Buddhism’s compassionate spirit calls us to extend blessings to all sentient beings. On October 13, 2024, the Holy Miracles Temple held a Blessing and Peace Dharma Assembly, a response to the unprecedented hardships the world faces today. Devoted Buddhist disciples gathered to honor the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, coming together to send prayers for healing and hope to those affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and upheavals. This assembly reaffirmed the Buddhist commitment to easing the suffering of all.
The event featured a solemn chanting of the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion. The gathering was led by Abbess Ruzun Ruohui from Hua Zang Si Temple, who guided attendees through the prayers.
This year has been marked by profound global calamities. In the United States, Hurricane Helene ravaged Texas and Louisiana in August, displacing thousands and flooding communities. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton unleashed further destruction in Florida and Georgia. Recovery efforts faced tremendous challenges as these back-to-back disasters left homes shattered and lives in turmoil.
In Asia, Typhoon Dindo devastated the Philippines, causing severe flooding and landslides across Luzon in September. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as the typhoon submerged entire neighborhoods. Nepal, too, was struck by tragedy when a powerful earthquake hit in June, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life in remote regions.
The war in Ukraine, continuing its escalation throughout 2024, inflicted further suffering on cities like Kyiv and Mariupol, leaving behind a deepening humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, renewed violence in Syria once again brought bloodshed to war-torn cities such as Aleppo and Damascus, compounding the plight of its weary people.
Europe was not spared from disaster either, as record-breaking floods struck in July. Torrential rains overwhelmed parts of Germany and Belgium, causing rivers to overflow and submerging entire towns. Meanwhile, the United States’ western regions grappled with annual wildfires of increasing magnitude, destroying homes and forests alike.
During the Dharma Assembly at Holy Miracles Temple, attendees united in spirit and purpose. As the sacred verses of the Universal Gate Chapter resonated through the temple, the prayers reached out to those suffering from this year’s tragedies, seeking to bring healing and relief. Prayers were offered for the displaced, the injured, and those who had lost everything. In the face of conflict and war, the community gathered to extend peace, comfort, and hope to all those impacted.
This powerful assembly embodied the compassionate essence of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, radiating light and healing to all beings affected by suffering. It was a profound reminder that through shared compassion and collective action, we can create a world where all beings may find peace, healing, and joy.
