Author: steve1658

Consolation of the Invalid

steve1658Leave a comment

Consolation of the Invalid

Then, the Buddha, seated serenely under the Bodhi tree, turned to his esteemed disciple, Crown Prince Manjusri, and uttered with a tone of gentle authority, “Manjusri, I entrust upon you a task of great importance. Go forth to the abode of Licchavi Vimalakirti and inquire about his ailment.”

Manjusri, revered for his wisdom and insight, hesitated momentarily, acknowledging the renowned intellect and eloquence of Vimalakirti. Despite the apprehension gnawing at the edges of his resolve, he bowed reverently to the Buddha and replied, “Lord, your command is my honor to fulfill. Though the task may be daunting, I shall embark upon this journey guided by your divine grace.”

In the vast assembly of bodhisattvas, disciples, celestial beings, and gods, anticipation hung palpably in the air. The prospect of witnessing the exchange between Manjusri, the embodiment of wisdom, and Vimalakirti, the paragon of skillful means, promised profound insights into the essence of existence.

With a retinue of bodhisattvas and celestial beings trailing in his wake, Manjusri set forth towards the great city of Vaisali, where Vimalakirti resided.

Meanwhile, within the confines of his humble abode, Vimalakirti, perceiving the approach of Manjusri and his entourage through his boundless wisdom, willed his dwelling into a state of emptiness. Magically, the physical trappings dissolved into nothingness, leaving only the sickbed upon which he reclined, a solitary beacon amidst the void.

As Manjusri crossed the threshold into Vimalakirti’s ethereal abode, the air crackled with anticipation. Vimalakirti, perceiving Manjusri’s arrival through the subtle currents of cosmic consciousness, greeted him with a warm smile, his voice resonating with profound tranquility. “Manjusri, welcome,” he exclaimed, his words transcending the bounds of ordinary speech. “Your presence graces my humble abode. Here you stand, yet you neither come nor go. You are heard, yet no sound reverberates in this emptiness.”

Manjusri, humbled by Vimalakirti’s words, inquired about his well-being with genuine concern. “Householder,” he began, “how fares your health? Is your affliction bearable? Does the light of the Buddha’s teachings bring solace to your heart?”

Vimalakirti, reclining upon his sickbed with an air of serene resignation, responded with profound insight. “Manjusri, my ailment springs forth from the well of ignorance, nourished by the relentless currents of samsara. As long as sentient beings endure the scourge of affliction, so too shall my suffering persist. For the bodhisattva, the suffering of all beings is but his own, borne with boundless compassion.”

Their conversation, like a symphony of enlightenment, unfolded in intricate patterns of question and answer, each exchange revealing deeper layers of truth. Manjusri, ever the seeker of wisdom, probed Vimalakirti’s teachings with earnest curiosity, delving into the nature of emptiness, compassion, and the path to liberation.

Vimalakirti, with the clarity of a sage, expounded upon the bodhisattva’s domain, a realm where the boundaries between self and other, sickness and health, nirvana and samsara, dissolved into the boundless expanse of emptiness.

Their dialogue, a tapestry woven with threads of profound insight and compassionate wisdom, resonated throughout the cosmos, stirring the hearts of gods and beings across the celestial realms.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow upon the tranquil landscape, Manjusri and Vimalakirti concluded their discourse. Eight thousand gods, inspired by the teachings of Vimalakirti, kindled the flame of enlightenment within their hearts, aspiring to traverse the path of liberation.

And so, amidst the infinite expanse of the cosmos, the encounter between Manjusri and Vimalakirti echoed as a timeless testament to the boundless potential of wisdom and compassion to illuminate the path to enlightenment for all sentient beings.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/04/04/consolation-of-the-invalid/

The Reluctance of the Bodhisattvas

steve1658Leave a comment

The Reluctance of the Bodhisattvas

The Buddha’s instructions echoed through the assembly, compelling Bodhisattva Maitreya to undertake the task of visiting Vimalakirti. Despite his revered status, Maitreya hesitated, vividly recalling his previous discourse with the enigmatic Licchavi. Vimalakirti’s words had pierced through the fabric of conventional understanding, challenging Maitreya to contemplate the timeless nature of enlightenment. The memory of that encounter lingered like an unanswerable riddle, leaving Maitreya reluctant to approach Vimalakirti once more.

As the Buddha turned to Licchavi Prabhavyuha, anticipation hung heavy in the air. Yet, Prabhavyuha’s reluctance mirrored Maitreya’s, as he recounted an encounter where Vimalakirti’s teachings had illuminated the path of enlightenment for heavenly maidens. Vimalakirti’s words had stirred something profound within Prabhavyuha, stirring the depths of his soul and leaving an indelible mark of reverence and awe.

The bodhisattva Jagatimdhara’s recollection added another layer to the tapestry of hesitation. His memory transported him back to a moment when Vimalakirti had effortlessly exposed Mara’s deception, unraveling the illusions that clouded Jagatimdhara’s perception. Witnessing Vimalakirti’s mastery over Mara’s machinations had instilled both fear and admiration, making Jagatimdhara apprehensive about facing him once again.

The narrative then shifted to Sudatta, the merchant’s son, whose reluctance stemmed from an encounter that had challenged his understanding of sacrifice and generosity. Vimalakirti’s teachings had shattered Sudatta’s preconceived notions, revealing the true essence of a Dharma-sacrifice. Sudatta’s memory of Vimalakirti’s miraculous acts and profound teachings left him feeling humbled and unworthy of facing him again.

Each bodhisattva’s story unfolded like a thread in the rich tapestry of Vimalakirti’s influence, weaving together moments of revelation, awe, and transformation. The reluctance they expressed was not merely a reluctance to inquire about Vimalakirti’s illness but a profound hesitation born out of reverence, humility, and an acute awareness of their own limitations in the presence of such spiritual magnificence.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/28/the-reluctance-of-the-bodhisattvas/

The Disciples’ Reluctance to Visit Vimalakirti

steve1658Leave a comment

The Disciples’ Reluctance to Visit Vimalakirti

The Licchavi Vimalakirti lay sick on his bed, pondering deeply. “Though I suffer here, the Tathágata, the saintly Buddha, shows no concern for me,” he thought. “No one comes to inquire about my illness.”

Aware of Vimalakirti’s thoughts, the Buddha turned to venerable Shariputra. “Shariputra, go inquire after Licchavi Vimalakirti’s health,” he instructed.

Shariputra hesitated. “Lord, I recall a time when Vimalakirti challenged my understanding of contemplation,” he explained, recounting their encounter under a tree.

The Buddha then asked venerable Maha-Maudgalyayana to visit Vimalakirti. Maudgalyayana, too, hesitated, recalling Vimalakirti’s teachings in the city square.

Turning to venerable Maha-Kasyapa, the Buddha urged him to go. But Maha-Kasyapa hesitated as well, remembering Vimalakirti’s guidance on seeking alms.

One by one, the Buddha directed his disciples to visit Vimalakirti, but they all hesitated, recounting their encounters where Vimalakirti had challenged their understanding and broadened their perspectives.

Finally, the Buddha instructed venerable Subhuti to visit Vimalakirti. Subhuti, too, hesitated, recalling Vimalakirti’s teachings on the nature of reality.

The Buddha continued, instructing each disciple in turn to visit Vimalakirti, but they all hesitated, recounting their encounters where Vimalakirti had challenged their understanding and broadened their perspectives.

The Buddha then turned to venerable Rahula, urging him to visit Vimalakirti. But even Rahula hesitated, remembering how Vimalakirti had guided some young Licchavi gentlemen.

One after another, the disciples expressed their reluctance to visit Vimalakirti, recalling the profound teachings they had received from him.

And so, despite the Buddha’s instructions, none of his disciples felt worthy to inquire about Vimalakirti’s illness, for they all remembered the wisdom he had imparted and the challenges he had posed to their understanding.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/21/the-disciples-reluctance-to-visit-vimalakirti/

Inconceivable Skill in Liberative Technique

steve1658Leave a comment

Inconceivable Skill in Liberative Technique

In the bustling city of Vaisali, there resided a notable Licchavi by the name of Vimalakirti. He had diligently served the ancient Buddhas, honoring them and making offerings, thereby cultivating virtues. Vimalakirti had attained eloquence and patience, and he possessed great mastery over profound knowledge. He had acquired the power of incantations and fearlessness, triumphing over demons and adversaries alike. Through profound understanding of the Dharma, he attained liberation through wisdom.

With skillful application of his realization, he expertly discerned the thoughts and actions of beings, tailoring his teachings appropriately. Engaging fervently in the Mahayana path, he accomplished tasks with finesse, resembling the demeanor of a Buddha. His intellect was vast, earning admiration from all Buddhas and reverence from celestial beings like Indra and Brahma.

Vimalakirti’s wealth was boundless, dedicated to supporting the needy. He upheld pure morality to guide the immoral and exercised tolerance to reconcile those consumed by anger and cruelty. His energy inspired the lazy, while his mindfulness nurtured the troubled minds. His decisive wisdom illuminated the path for the ignorant.

Though outwardly living as a layman in white garments, he maintained the discipline of a devout follower. Despite having a family and attendants, he practiced continence and solitude. While appearing adorned with ornaments, his true adornments were the auspicious signs within. He frequented social gatherings and establishments, yet his purpose was always to guide and uplift those ensnared by worldly distractions.

Vimalakirti was hailed as exemplary among various societal roles, embodying the essence of the Dharma. He associated with people from all walks of life, yet his words always resonated with Dharma’s wisdom. Engaging in worldly affairs without attachment to profit, he aimed to train and protect living beings. He traversed various settings to disseminate the Mahayana teachings, aiming to elevate all beings towards enlightenment.

In this manner, Vimalakirti lived in Vaisali, endowed with profound knowledge of liberative techniques.

During a particular time, Vimalakirti feigned illness, prompting a multitude of beings to visit and inquire about his health. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a discourse on the impermanence and unreliability of the physical body, urging them to aspire toward the enlightenment embodied in the Tathagata’s body. Through his teachings, many attained the spirit of unexcelled, perfect enlightenment.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/14/inconceivable-skill-in-liberative-technique-2/

Posted in Uncategorized

Mr. Ling-Ze Wang, China

steve1658Leave a comment

Mr. Ling-Ze Wang, China

By Zhaxi Zhuoma 

Taken from an article that appeared in the Asian Journal analyzing what happened at the Ultimate Form of Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly: 

If the only disciple of H.H. Great Dharma King who became accomplished in the dharma were Wang-Cheng E Fen, perhaps it would be coincidental. But something mysterious happened. Layman Wang Ling-Ze, the husband of laywoman E Fen, also practiced the dharma according to the teachings of H.H. Great Dharma King. Throughout his entire life, he did not discuss the Buddha-dharma. One afternoon in 1992 on February 15th of the lunar calendar, he suddenly took a bench and placed it on the roadside in the Laodong Village of Xindu. He then openly began urging people to be kind and good. He explained the wonders of the Pure Land. He praised H.H. Great Dharma King, saying that his dharma is the authentic Buddha-dharma of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Someone asked Wang Ling-Ze, “I like Guan Yin Dharma, but I don’t know which Guan Yin Dharma is the best.” The elder layman Wang answered, “No matter if your teacher is a Great Dharma Teacher or a Great Rinpoche, you must be very careful. You absolutely must not learn false Buddha-dharma. For example, Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s ‘pure vase realization’ is great. Let’s look toward ourselves. How is your master? If he doesn’t have the ability and state of realization to ‘obtain water,’ transmit Dharma, and conduct initiations, if he does not follow the precepts well, then he just understands the common dharma written in books. Rather than learn from such a person, you would accumulate more merit if you intoned ‘Homage to Guan Yin Bodhisattva.’ True Guan Yin Dharma involves ‘obtaining water’ either in a gentle way or a forceful way. Obtaining water in a forceful way involves one or two persons lifting a lotus tub weighing over 5,500 pounds and pouring out the water from it. This is the true Buddha-dharma. Obtaining water in a gentle way involves the following. You secretly prepare a bowl outside the presence of the master. You fill it with water and take it out. The master immediately practices the dharma in front of you. Water instantly flows through the bowl toward you. It is like the holy water in the pure vase of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. No containers in this world can hold the holy water in that pure vase. That holy water will penetrate through and flow out of any such worldly container. When used in initiations and Dharma transmissions, holy water that has flowed through a bowl can wash away your karmic hindrances accumulated over many past lifetimes. This is true Guan Yin Dharma. I have learned this true Buddha-dharma transmitted to me by H.H. Great Dharma King Yangwo Wan Ko Yisinubu. Water penetrated through the bowl. Therefore, I am about to go to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss.”

When the elder layman Wang finished expounding the dharma, he pushed the bench to one side and sat down in the cross-legged posture in front of his house near the road. He instantly passed away. He illustrates the magnificence of the Buddha-dharma transmitted by H.H. Great Dharma King, which leads to control over one’s own birth and death. According to the rules of Buddhism, after the elder layman passed away, his body could not be touched for seven days. Therefore, he sat solemnly in the cross-legged posture at that very spot near the public street for seven days and seven nights. His back remained completely upright.

After his cremation at the Bao Guang Temple in Xindu, thirteen firm shariras (relics) were left behind. I went to the Bao Guang Temple in Xindu and paid twelve yuan to buy a photograph openly sold by the temple showing the sharira and sharira flowers left behind by laywoman Wang Cheng E-Fen after her cremation. I learned from a documentary video as well as other sources that disciples of H.H. Great Dharma King include world-class outstanding monks and nuns, first-class elder monks in Taiwan, first-class elder monks and Great Rinpoches in mainland China and Hong Kong, and first-class Great Rinpoches in the United States. Furthermore, many disciples of H.H. Great Dharma King include husband and wife couples who obtained control over their own births and deaths. Some of his disciples passed away while they sat in the cross-legged posture, chanted the name of Amitabha Buddha, and held their hands in a special mudra. The bodies of some disciples emitted dazzling light after they passed away. The corpses of some disciples do not rot after their passing, thereby becoming a “body sharira.” However, the most amazing thing of all is that H.H. Great Dharma King often tells his disciples beforehand when a certain person will pass away, thus enabling the Dharma Teacher disciples to make their way to that person quickly so that they can help him or her by reciting passages or mantras for the deceased. When those Dharma Teachers are informed of this, the person is still alive. When they arrive at the person’s location, he or she has already passed away. What is the significance of this? This shows that such magnificent Buddha-dharma truly exists.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/07/mr-ling-ze-wang-china/

2012- John R. Carroll, USA

steve1658Leave a comment

2012- John R. Carroll, USA

By Zhaxi Zhuoma

Another miracle happened in June of 2012 that demonstrates the power and beauty of the Buddha-dharma. One of my students from Philadelphia, “Anandamayi” Nancy Santana, lost her only son, John Carroll  when he was accidentally shot in the head by a friend. They were recording a music-video on gun violence at the friend’s house and had no idea the gun they were using was loaded. His friend thought the gun was empty when he pulled the trigger. John was 18 and a young man who loved to help people and be there for his friends and family. He had been like that since he was a small boy. He was so compassionate that the other children at his school decided to have “John Carroll Moments” each day where they would try and do something good for someone, imitating John’s behavior. He loved his two sisters and  helped take care of his youngest sister, Alma, who has been under hospice care since 2010, suffering from a rare and incurable disease for many years that causes her frail body to shake in almost constant convulsions. While John’s friends and family were holding a candlelight vigil in front of their home, a very big and bright rainbow appeared over the house, remained for a few minutes, and disappeared. Other family members who were depressed over the loss of John also saw the rainbow in various parts of Philadelphia at the exact same time. They reported that it was the biggest, most beautiful rainbow they had ever seen. This young life had gone on. H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha had empowered this young man and his soul or consciousness had gone on, but not before he gave his blessing to all that were mourning his loss. What had been a very sad and senseless tragedy became a cause of celebration. Such is the power of the true Buddha-dharma and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/29/2012-john-r-carroll-usa/

Great Holy Beings Give Their Approval

steve1658Leave a comment

Great Holy Beings Give Their Approval

By: Zhaxi Zhuoma

The book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III contains a more detailed explanation by Gadu Rinpoche of what happened when H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III gave the discourse “What Is Cultivation?” However, I would like to give my own personal testimonial of what I experienced. Like Gadu Rinpoche, I was very fortunate to be present when these holy events occurred. Since I have followed my Buddha Master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have seen many awesome and unbelievable events and been blessed by being able to participate in and witness many Buddhist ceremonies and receive dharma empowerments and initiations. This experience was truly amazing and was also an example of how different people saw or experienced different things. This is often the case when we witness holy states. Our karma is different, so the manifestation of holy states appear to us differently.

These lights first appeared when we were sitting and respectfully listening to a dharma discourse. I had requested that my Buddha Master give us a discourse on “What is Cultivation?” and His Holiness had graciously consented. We knew this would be a special discourse, since it was being recorded and many great dharma teachers and rinpoches had been summoned to attend. Suddenly there appeared a bright flashing light. I thought someone was using a flash camera, only that seemed very disrespectful and this was much brighter and dazzling and had a more golden color than that of a camera. I very rudely looked around. There was no camera nor apparent source. My second thought was that I was just imagining it. Of course no one else was showing any signs of seeing anything–they were all so engrossed in our Buddha Master’s discourse, and much too well behaved to respond. The lights came again many times–I lost count after the third, but I know it was more than three times. They were very bright and quite distinct. No sooner had the Buddha Master ended the discourse and we had paid our respects, did everyone begin talking at once. Even though it was in Chinese I could gather from the hand gestures and excitement that they had seen the same thing I saw. I believe all of this was recorded on the CD of this discourse. Ven. Gadu Rinpoche, whose English is quite good, explained what he had seen as did several others. It appeared that everyone present had seen something. There was no doubt that holy beings had come to listen to this very important discourse (it is printed in the book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and included on this web-site) and they were very pleased and showed their joy by blessing us with their presence.

For a short period of time after that, these lights would miraculously appear. Once they flashed most auspiciously when the Buddha Master was talking to Ven. Gadu Rinpoche. At that time the Holy Beings were indicating approval of the design proposed for the cover of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma (the manuscript version of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III). They also flashed one Sunday morning at the hermitage where I live when I was reading one of His Holiness’s discourses in preparation for a class that would be taught later on that day. They came at another time when the Buddha Master was giving a discourse, but this time I was told to not be distracted and pay attention to the Buddha Master. I am pretty sure that was also included in the recording, but I must confess that before I was reprimanded, I searched the mandala thoroughly for any possible sources of light. There were none. These were truly blessings from another dimension. These were the manifestation of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who came to show their respect to our great Buddha Master!

There is no doubt that the book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is an extraordinary work. Not only does it introduce H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to the world and share the reactions to the book of the leading Buddhists in the world today, it also documents a few of the awe inspiring accomplishments of this magnificent Holy Buddha the most important of which are the many teachings that can lead many beings to liberation. Since most of the book will be published in English as well as Chinese, it is truly a most auspicious blessing to the entire world. It represents the dissemination of the true Buddha-dharma for this time and age and in the Western and Asian worlds.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/22/great-holy-beings-give-their-approval/

Another Disciple of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Attains Liberation from the Cycle of Reincarnation

steve1658Leave a comment

Another Disciple of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Attains Liberation from the Cycle of Reincarnation

(Translation from Chengdu, China newspaper article)
(Article from Asian Journal )

A Heavenly Window Opens to the Western Buddha Land; Everyone Saw Holy Sights of the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss

 Laywoman Quan-Fang Lu Attained Enlightenment; Amitabha Buddha Escorted Her Away to the Western Paradise; She Left Behind 49 Shariras and Firm Relics

After the cremation of laywoman Quan-Fang Lu, people collected 49 shariras and firm relics from her bone ashes.

Several days ago, Madame Tang, who was a disciple of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, attained great liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and left behind 263 sharira firm relics. On September 9th, Amitabha Buddha escorted to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss yet another outstanding disciple of His Holiness–laywoman Quan-Fang Lu! Amitabha Buddha praised the unsurpassed and true Buddha-dharma of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. For 29 hours, Amitabha Buddha opened up a heavenly window of a Buddha land, thereby allowing many people to see the sights of that Buddha land. An image of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu miraculously emitted bright light for three hours, thereby empowering those with the karmic affinity to be empowered!

Elder laywoman Quan-Fang Lu was from Chengdu, Sichuan. She and her husband, layman Gung-Ming Wang, had been Buddhists since the 1950’s. When they took refuge in Buddhism, they received an initiation and Dharma transmission from His Holiness. In the 1950’s, they were working in Tibet. Because of their underlying karmic conditions, they received the guidance of an outstanding Rinpoche of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. That Rinpoche told them that H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu possessed the best and highest Buddha-dharma. After going through many hardships, they brought their son to His Holiness. His Holiness was not even seven years old at the time. The three of them formally acknowledged His Holiness as their Master. Laywoman Quan-Fang Lu and her husband Gung-Ming Wang then resolutely decided to have their son stay by the side of His Holiness in order to receive his training and Dharma teachings.

They have been very pious and respectful toward His Holiness, and they have diligently practiced the Dharma that His Holiness transmitted to them. Over the past two years, certain people have spread rumors and made false accusations against His Holiness. Laywoman Quan-Fang Lu and her husband Gung-Ming Wang were filled with righteous indignation at this. They vigorously berated the contemptible conduct of those rascals who spread rumors, fabricated lies, and deceived people.

Based upon layman Gung-Ming Wang’s own pious heart and upon His Holiness’s realization, which is like that of a Buddha, in November of last year, layman Gung-Ming Wang passed on to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. At his cremation, layman Gung-Ming Wang left behind 11 sharira firm relics.

In the middle of August, 2004, laywoman Quan-Fang Lu told her son Min Wang that she would soon pass away. Min Wang telephoned His Holiness a few times, beseeching His Holiness to cause his loving mother to stay alive longer. When Min Wang’s mother found out about these calls, she admonished her son, “Those who learn Buddhism and cultivate themselves must understand that the law of cause and effect never fails. My karmic connection with this world is about to end. My karmic connection with the dharma is now complete. His Holiness will help me go to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss.”

As expected, at around noon on September 9th, the crown of elder laywoman Lu’s head suddenly opened. The crown of her head became as soft as cotton. At that time, a colorful auspicious light filled the room. Amitabha Buddha came to escort her away. Beautifully set off by a huge white Buddha light, the pure gold bowl of Amitabha Buddha slowly descended. The red lotus flowers in the bowl were bright-colored. Two photographs were hurriedly taken of this extremely rare and holy sight. Heavenly music could be heard. Imitating the Buddha, elder laywoman Lu assumed the “auspicious recumbent posture.” Amid the Buddha light, she passed on to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss.

The next day, her body was placed in the Buddha worshipping hall of Bao Guang Temple in Xindu, which is one of the four great Chan (Zen) temples in China. Right after her body was placed there, an image of His Holiness suddenly emitted bright light. A colorful Buddha light went round and round H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s image. A fragrant scent wafted through the air.

News of such phenomena began to spread. More and more people came to chant mantras and sutras for the benefit of laywoman Lu, respectfully see her off to the next realm, and observe the ceremony. Day and night, the chanting of Amitabha Buddha’s name did not stop. On the evening of September 10th, eminent Tibetan Rinpoches and Lamas who were all disciples of tHis Holiness arrived at the temple after having traveled a great distance. They came to perform Buddhist rites. On the evening of September 11th, the machine used to chant the name of Amitabha Buddha suddenly emitted the shocking sound of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha. His Holiness was in the United States. The monastics and laypersons in attendance were all extremely moved.

At around noon on September 12th, a holy sight appeared for the first time in history! A painting of Amitabha Buddha hangs in the Buddha worshipping hall of the temple. In front of Amitabha Buddha’s chest, a heavenly window to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss suddenly opened. This heavenly window directly displayed the sights of the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss!

People were seething with excitement. They were so pleasantly surprised they could hardly control themselves. Through that heavenly window to a Buddha land that appeared in front of the painting of Amitabha Buddha, all of those who had the requisite karmic affinity saw Amitabha Buddha. They even saw the protuberance on top of Amitabha’s Buddha’s head. They saw Kuan Yin Bodhisattva wearing white clothes and holding willow tree branches. They also saw Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. In that heavenly window, elder laywoman Lu was reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha. Her lips were constantly moving, her eyes blinked, and her head swayed. She looked the same as when she recited Amitabha Buddha’s name when she was alive. The former abbot of Zhao Jue Temple, Dharma Teacher Qing Ding, also appeared. He was sitting on a chair, smiling, and nodding his head.

The image of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu appeared in that heavenly window. He was wearing a red Dharma robe and a Dharma crown. When he appeared, people excitedly shouted words such as, “Master, I see you!” “Great Dharma King Master, by following you we do not fear even death!”  “Great Dharma King, my whole family wants to take refuge in you! We want to learn the true Buddha Dharma from you!”

People were awestruck by these holy scenes. They could not control their emotions. The sounds of people marveling, shouting, and kowtowing could be heard.

At 8:00 or 9:00 that evening, more and more people arrived at the cremation site. People rushed over from all directions to see the holy sights of the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss displayed through that heavenly window and to receive empowerment from Amitabha Buddha. Many people rushed home and brought back their parents and children. All of the elder and young people saw the holy scenes of that Buddha land. They did not even care about eating their dinner. They sat there in rows and devoutly chanted the holy name of Amitabha Buddha deep into the night. The holy sights of the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss displayed by that heavenly window continually changed and lasted all the way up to 5:00 in the afternoon the next day. This display of sights lasted all together 29 hours, which is a miracle in the history of Buddhism.

On the morning of September 13th, a colorful Buddha light filled the sky. After 1:00 in the afternoon, the picture of His Holiness suddenly began emitting bright white light that continually flashed. For three hours, this light empowered those with the karmic affinity to be empowered. While immersed in the Buddha-dharma empowerment bestowed by His Holiness, people shouted with joy and prostrated. It was an extremely moving scene!

At 5:00 in the afternoon, those disciples who had been reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha formed long lines as part of the ceremony placing the body of elder laywoman Lu into the cremation furnace. Whatever place her body passed through, there was a fragrant scent in the air. Before the monastics and lamas began chanting mantras and performing Buddhist rites, the part of the wooden cremation-casket over elder laywoman Lu’s chest was covered with Buddha light. From the cracks in that wooden cremation-casket, red, white, and yellow light emanated!

As soon as the cremation furnace was lit, a round Dharma object that formed from a translucent silver light appeared on the crown of elder laywoman Lu’s head. There was a square hole in the middle of that Dharma object. That Dharma object was exactly the same as the round light that appeared over the crown of Henghsing Gyatso Rinpoche’s head when he respectfully received a picture of His Holiness. He received that picture right before he began his journey around the island of Taiwan. Before receiving that picture, Henghsing Gyatso Rinpoche, who is a disciple of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, had made a vow to journey 1,100 kilometers around the island of Taiwan on foot by prostrating fully once after each step. He made this vow in order to atone for the sins of others.

During the cremation of laywoman Lu, holy sights continually appeared. Lotus flowers emerged. Images of His Holiness, the Three Holy Ones of the Western Paradise (Amitabha Buddha, Kuan Yin Bodhisattva, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva), and Maitreya Bodhisattva all appeared. Vajra Dharma protecting deities and dragon-spirit Dharma protecting deities stood in a circle on both sides of her. Fire phoenix flew to and from inside the cremation furnace. Beautiful scenes of pagodas and towers from the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss repeatedly appeared. People before the cremation furnace were filled with Dharma joy and began prostrating. They were so moved they began to cry. The sound of joyous laughter filled the temple.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/16/another-disciple-of-h-h-wan-ko-yeshe-norbu-attains-liberation-from-the-cycle-of-reincarnation/

The Eight Worldly Conditions

steve1658Leave a comment

The Eight Worldly Conditions

by Venerable Narada Mahathera

This complex world is neither exclusively rosy nor entirely thorny. The rose, soft, beautiful, and fragrant, grows on a stem filled with thorns. What is rosy remains so, and what is thorny persists. One should not interfere with the thorns due to the presence of the rose, nor disparage the rose because of the thorns.

To an optimist, the world appears absolutely rosy; to a pessimist, it seems entirely thorny. However, a realist views the world neither as entirely rosy nor wholly thorny. From a realistic perspective, the world is a blend of beautiful roses and prickly thorns.

An understanding person appreciates the rose’s beauty without becoming infatuated, acknowledging the thorns’ nature and taking precautions not to be wounded.

Similar to a pendulum swinging between right and left, four inevitable conditions prevail in life — gain and loss, fame and defame, praise and blame, happiness and pain.

Gain and Loss: Businesspeople experience both gain and loss. While it’s natural to be pleased with profits, one must exhibit moral courage and maintain a balanced mind in the face of losses. Anticipating losses and being prepared helps reduce disappointment.

Fame and Defame: Fame and defame are inevitable in life. Seeking undue praise or avoiding criticism can lead to unfulfillment. True greatness is indifferent to external approbation.

Praise and Blame: Wise individuals remain unaffected by praise or blame, recognizing that opinions vary. The Buddha’s teachings emphasize responding to false accusations with patience and understanding.

Happiness and Pain: Genuine happiness is not solely derived from material possessions, power, or external circumstances. Inner happiness is found in non-attachment and leading a blameless life.

Facing pain, whether from old age, disease, separation, or death, requires equanimity. The Buddha himself endured physical suffering but maintained a balanced mind. Death, inevitable for all, should be faced with perfect equanimity.

Amidst these dualities, a balanced mind is crucial. The Buddha’s teachings encourage cultivating equanimity in the face of worldly conditions.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/08/the-eight-worldly-conditions/

The Root Sequence

steve1658Leave a comment

The Root Sequence

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

In the serene atmosphere of the Very Blessed Grove under a royal Sal tree in Ukkattha, the Blessed One addressed the gathering of monks, saying, “Monks!”

Respectfully, the monks responded, “Yes, lord.”

The Blessed One began, “Monks, I will elucidate the fundamental sequence underlying all phenomena, the root sequence of all phenomena. Pay heed, and listen carefully.”

“As you instruct, sir,” the monks replied.

The Blessed One explained, “Consider an uninstructed person, indifferent to noble teachings, unacquainted with the Dhamma of the virtuous. Such a person perceives elements like earth, water, fire, and wind merely as they appear. Engaging in conceptualizations about ownership and pleasure, they fail to comprehend the true nature of these elements.”

The Blessed One continued to describe how an untrained individual perceives various aspects of existence, attributing personal ownership and finding delight in them due to a lack of comprehension.

Then, he shifted to the Trainee, a monk earnestly aspiring for liberation. The Trainee, still on the path, is advised to directly understand and not form attachments or conceptualize about the elements and experiences, striving for comprehension.

The Arahant, a monk who has achieved enlightenment, is portrayed as one devoid of mental fermentations, having eradicated passion, aversion, and delusion. The Arahant directly knows and understands without attachment, having comprehended the true nature of all phenomena.

The Blessed One emphasized the importance of comprehending, ending passion, aversion, and delusion, leading to liberation.

Finally, the Tathagata, the awakened one, who has attained the ultimate understanding, directly knows and comprehends all phenomena. The Tathagata, having realized that delight is the root of suffering, aging, and death, has achieved complete awakening, devoid of craving.

Despite the profound teachings, the monks, displeased, did not find delight in the words of the Blessed One.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/01/the-root-sequence/