Category: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

A Holy and Virtuous One Attained Accomplishment through Buddhism; A Grand Memorial Dharma Assembly Is Held by Buddhist Groups for Layperson Zhao Yusheng

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A Holy and Virtuous One Attained Accomplishment through Buddhism; A Grand Memorial Dharma Assembly Is Held by Buddhist Groups for Layperson Zhao Yusheng

【Reported by Huarenone News Agency from Los Angeles】Nearly 200 dharma masters, rinpoches, monastics, and laypersons from several dozens of Buddhist temples and organizations within and outside of the USA gathered at the chapel of Rose Hills Memorial Park located at Alhambra in the morning of September 2, to hold a grand memorial dharma assembly for Layperson Zhao Yusheng, who attained the accomplishment of a holy and virtuous one through learning the true dharma of the Tathagata. The Buddhist disciples of seven types together chanted respectfully The Buddha Speaks of the Amitabha Buddha Sutra to dedicate the merit to Layperson Zhao Yusheng. The dharma assembly proceeded in a very solemn and majestic atmosphere.

In the introduction, the Chief Abbess of the International Buddhism Sangha Association, Dharma Master Shi Zhengda, who just traveled from mainland China via Taiwan to Los Angeles to attend this memorial dharma assembly held for Layperson Zhao Yusheng, mentioned that Layperson Zhao Yusheng was once a disciple of a man with the last name of Chen. Because he had not learned any Buddha-dharma from this Mr. Chen and instead erred on causality in many circumstances, he became very sick and the illness turned more and more serious. Therefore, he was in great pain and suffered very much. He came to the United States on June 27. That enabled him to learn the true dharma of the Tathagata.

Dharma Master Shi Zhengda

Dharma Master Shi Zhengda told the audience that, on the same day of June 27, Layperson Zhao Yusheng had the good fortune to receive a holiest great dharma transmitted to him by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the supreme leader of Buddhism in the world. Amitabha Buddha was invited to come to the mandala, manifesting in the Buddha’s 32 great appearances and emitting endless light rays from the Buddha’s body. Amitabha Buddha touched Layperson Zhao’s head and gave him a prophecy in person, telling him that Kuan Yin Bodhisattva would be sent to receive and escort him to the Western World of Ultimate Bliss. (Zhao Yusheng had put his personal experience of this event into writing, which was already published on the internet.) On August 24, Zhao Yusheng passed away and reached liberation. The holy state manifested when he followed Kuan Yin Bodhisattva to go to the World of Ultimate Bliss was witnessed by those who were present at the scene.

Scene of the Dharma Assembly

Dharma Master Shi Zhengda pointed out that getting such an outcome is the most joyful thing to all of us Buddhist disciples. Layperson Zhao Yusheng was able to learn and accomplish the true dharma of the Tathagata and become a holy and virtuous one of Buddhism in less than two months. This is what we should be happy about him. She hoped that Buddhist disciples as well as living beings can all learn the true dharma of the Tathagata and truly follow the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Sakyamuni Buddha to cultivate themselves and to remove evil and pursue goodness.

Dharma Master Shi Ruo Hui

Dharma Master Shi Ruo Hui, the Abbess of Hua Zang Si described the situation when Layperson Zhao Yusheng passed away and reached liberation. On that day, the sky was completely clear without any cloud and the hot sun was shining intensely. At the time, they stood under the trees and saw nectar descending down like snowflakes. When drops of nectar touched one’s face and body, the feeling was extremely refreshing and cool. They were all very delighted. At the same time, they felt happy and gratified for Layperson Zhao. This is because, only after Layperson Zhao Yusheng had begun to follow H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, did he attain such great accomplishment and did so many auspicious and celebrated phenomena appear. This is truly a very happy and gratifying event.

Layperson Bee Bee Moh and Layperson Zhao Chen who is the daughter of Layperson Zhao Yusheng who had been taking care of Layperson Zhao Yusheng during this entire period all along witnessed the holy state and the auspicious and celebrated phenomena appearing at the time when he passed away and reached liberation.

Layperson Bee Bee Moh (left) and Layperson Zhao Chen (right)

Layperson Bee Bee Moh said that, after receiving the dharma and returning to San Francisco, Layperson Zhao Yusheng practiced the dharma every day. Before passing away, Brother Zhao told her that he was about to leave. She helped Brother Zhao to put on the prepared clothing. She said that she was greatly astounded at the time. The Brother left right after saying so. That is truly the freedom from birth and death!!! She and Zhao Chen smelled a special fragrant scent from the Brother’s body. Next, the Brother said, “I will now use my freedom from birth and death to prove that the Buddha-dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the holiest. Chen Baosheng is a demonic devil and demonic evildoer! He is an evil master, big swindler, and a person of sin!” He also said, “The true dharma of the Tathagata is at where our great Buddha Master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, is. Okay, okay, I will stop now. Namo Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva has come to receive me!” Layperson Bee Bee Moh spoke about the scene she saw, “At that time, he emitted light from his entire body. I saw the extremely tall and great Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva, radiating strong and intense white light everywhere from His body. Surrounded by five-colored light, Namo Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva was extremely solemn and majestic, standing above the top of Brother Zhao’s head. At this time, I saw that Brother Zhao’s spiritual consciousness, dressed in splendid white clothing and emitting light from the entire body, rushed out from the top of his head toward Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva and left in the sky! A neighbor who is an elder lady from Malaysia also saw this scene. She also talked about how the nectar dripped down. The white-colored nectar immediately disappeared after dropping to the ground.”

Scene of the Dharma Assembly

Layperson Zhao Chen said that, as the daughter, she was very surprised when seeing her father leaving right after saying so! However, seeing the holy state of her father following Kuan Yin Bodhisattva to ascend to the World of Ultimate Bliss and nectar coming down from the sky, she was very delighted and joyful. She also said that her father’s body emitted fragrant scent from time to time after passing away. She had never smelt that kind of body fragrance before. That also belongs to the outcome from her father’s perfection of cultivation. Bee Bee Moh and Zhao Chen witnessed with their own eyes this extremely solemn and magnificent holy state and also felt boundless dharma joy for Layperson Zhao Yusheng’s great accomplishment of ascending to the Western World of Ultimate Bliss and becoming a holy and virtuous one!

Scene of the Dharma Assembly

Dharma Master Shi Long Hui who is the chairperson of the International Buddhism Sangha Association, Dharma Master Shi Jue Hui, Dharma Master Shi Ruo Hui who is the Abbess of Hua Zang Si, Dharma Master Shi Miao Kong, Song Jie Rinpoche who is the head of the Macang Temple, Dharma Master Shi Yian Gong, Dharma Master Shi Zhi Guang who is the first-monastic of Baota Temple, Dharma Master Shi Zhi Kai and others also attended the dharma assembly on that day.

After the dharma assembly had concluded perfectly, all attendees escorted Layperson Zhao Yusheng’s body of accomplishment to the Rose Hills Memorial Park to be buried there.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/10/27/a-holy-and-virtuous-one-attained-accomplishment-through-buddhism-a-grand-memorial-dharma-assembly-is-held-by-buddhist-groups-for-layperson-zhao-yusheng/

THE FIRST SEMINAR FOR ACARYAS AND MASTERS OF DHARMA-LISTENING SESSIONS TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG

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THE FIRST SEMINAR FOR ACARYAS AND MASTERS OF DHARMA-LISTENING SESSIONS TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong] The largest Buddhist meeting in the world in the year 2010 began on July 17th and successfully ended in the afternoon of July 18th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This “Seminar to Exchange the Experiences of Acaryas and Masters of Dharma-Listening Sessions” was held by the International Buddhism Sangha Association headquartered in San Francisco, U.S.A. Its purpose was to study the thoughts of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. People from more than 1,500 Buddhist organizations attended the seminar, such as organizations based in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, United States, Canada, and other countries and regions.

The International Buddhism Sangha Association stated that since the audio recordings of dharma discourses given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III were distributed and played all over the world, this trend to learn the theories of those dharma discourses and put them into practice continues to grow unabated. An ever increasing number of Buddhist organizations are applying to the International Buddhism Sangha Association to receive and study the audio recordings of dharma discourses given by H.H. Dorje Chang Budda III. Although the registration deadline to participate in the seminar passed a month and a half ago, many people were still sending out faxes and emails up until the eve of the seminar making urgent requests to participate in it. So many people were ardently intent on attending this seminar.

Subjects that were part of the seminar included cultivating oneself, learning Buddhist doctrines and Buddha-dharma, selflessly benefiting others, and other topics. The atmosphere was extremely lively. Numerous people had the opportunity to speak, and the content of the seminar was quite astounding. The International Buddhism Sangha Association also announced to everyone at the seminar wonderful news that practitioners of Buddhism were longing to hear: In order to benefit people’s cultivation, the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has formally issued two great mind-essence dharmas on cultivation that are part of The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation. Those dharmas are “Second Preliminary Practice: Xia Man Shu Sheng Hai Xin Sui” and “Third Main Practice: Zui Sheng Bodhi Kong Xing Hai Xin Sui.” This truly is extremely wonderful news for all of humanity. Those two dharmas will bring to humanity and countless living beings happiness, health, complete good fortune, complete wisdom, and worldwide prosperity.

During the seminar, rinpoches, dharma teachers, masters of dharma-listening sessions, leaders of Buddhist organizations, and ordinary Buddhists from all over the world related many deeply moving personal learning experiences and true miracles. When anyone spoke of learning the thoughts and cultivation teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the entire auditorium was filled with an atmosphere of piety and everyone was inspired. One after another person spoke of how their family situation, business, health, relations with neighbors and colleagues, and other aspects of their life quickly improved after they began learning the Buddha-dharma and cultivation methods taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and after they started emulating the noble moral character of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

The conclusion of the seminar was that the Buddha-dharma and dharma discourses that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has brought to this world correct the confused and disordered state of affairs that exists in Buddhist circles in this Dharma-Ending Age. It was also concluded that the Buddha-dharma and dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III provide people with a correct and overall understanding of Buddhism; that is, Buddhism is based on great compassion and benefits all living beings and that by truly cultivating oneself and learning Buddhism, one brings about happiness in one’s family, success in one’s business, peace in the world, and harmony among mankind.

There were three true things at the seminar that were especially astonishing. First, among all of the rinpoches and dharma masters who participated in this seminar, those who are on the level of a holy virtuous one had a Certificate of One of Holy Virtue. Three masters and seven witnesses (all together ten rinpoches, dharma teachers, and acaryas) signed a vow of truth on each of those certificates proving that the holder of the certificate indeed has the realization of one of holy virtue. Those certificates show that the holders of them are not like those false rinpoches and dharma masters in Buddhist circles who deceive people.

Those seated on the platform who had a Certificate of One of Holy Virtue were Great Dharma Master Miao Kong, one of the five greatly virtuous ones who realized the Path and Fruit; Dharma Master Lajian Long Hui, Chairperson of the International Buddhism Sangha Association; Venerable Xiangge Qiongwa IV Duozha Xinxiong Rinpoche, President of the Los Angeles Buddhist Academy; Dharma Master Jue Hui, abbess of Sanger Mission and Bodhi Monastery; Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, President of the Xuanfa Institute; Shudan Zhuma Rinpoche; and Dorje Jueba Longzhou Rinpoche III.

After these persons of holy virtue performed rituals, hung their certificates, paid respect to the certificates, and ascended the platform, all of the acaryas, masters of dharma-listening sessions, leaders of organizations, abbots, and abbesses worshipped the Buddhas, paid respect to the certificates, and then one by one ascended the platform, carried out the proper etiquette, and carefully read those certificates in order to verify their authenticity and the level of realization each certificate holder has. This was done in order to be responsible toward living beings and carry out the Buddhist practice of being open and aboveboard. All of these actions, which were highly praised, showed respect for the Buddhas and those of holy virtue and showed a sense of responsibility toward living beings.

The second especially astonishing thing was a miracle that happened as a result of ingesting a Kazhuo Ande pill. At the seminar, Shudan Zhuma Rinpoche from Thailand described to everyone the true story of a person by the name of Jack. Jack was injured by a bullet. Because that bullet was stuck amid some blood veins at the back of his kidney, he underwent two major surgeries at a hospital, both of which were unsuccessful in removing the bullet. After Shudan Zhuma Rinpoche learned of his situation, she gave a Kazhuo Ande pill to Jack. The Kazhuo Ande pill was made from the dharma practice of Mozhi Great Rinpoche, who is a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and who has a Middle Level of Holy Realization Certificate. One week after Jack ingested it, the bullet in his body miraculously moved to his chest area right under his skin. The doctor then used a small surgical knife to cut a small opening in Jack’s skin through which the bullet fell out. A video of Jack personally describing this experience of his was played at the seminar.

When explaining this type of miracle that results from ingesting a Kazhuo Ande pill, a representative of the International Buddhism Sangha Association quoted H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: “Kazhuo Ande pills are not medicine and are not used to cure illnesses. They do not have their own independent medicinal properties. A person who ingests such a pill can experience beneficial effects only if that person is kindhearted and devout.”

The third especially astonishing thing was a miracle that happened as a result of respectfully listening to recorded dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. A fourteen-year-old boy from Chongqing, China by the name of Chaopeng Luo came to the seminar. When he was in the last term of the fifth grade of elementary school, he would often feel dizzy and would often have ulcers in his mouth. Since he experienced no improvement through traditional Chinese medicine, in 2009 his mother took him to the Xinan (West South) Hospital in Chongqing and the 301 Hospital in Beijing to have him undergo comprehensive examinations, such as CT scans, etc. After medical experts held a group consultation, they concluded that the carotid artery in the right side of his neck contained a congenital tumor. There is currently only one other example of this in all of China. Surgery could not be used to remove the tumor. Furthermore, the tumor was growing increasingly large. Thus, the life of this boy was in constant danger. Since the right side of the neck of Chaopeng Luo had swollen a great deal, the doctors had no choice but to have him stop attending school so that he could stay at home.

Just when the entire family fell into a state of hopelessness, a Buddhist in Chongqing by the name of Zongqiong Zhao happened to meet the grandmother of Chaopeng Luo. Zongqiong Zhao had the grandmother take Chaopeng Luo to listen to recorded dharma discourses given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Right after the boy listened to the first CD containing a dharma discourse, he said that his neck became hot. The part of his neck where the tumor was had indeed become red. After he listened to the second CD containing a dharma discourse, the redness on his neck disappeared. It turned out that Chaopeng Luo listened to dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for three straight weeks. Not only did the lump on his neck become smaller and smaller, his energy level and mental outlook became better and better, his appetite increased, and he grew taller. The tumor has now completely disappeared. His entire family is sincerely grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for saving his life.

Thus, the young Chaopeng Luo insisted on personally appearing at the seminar so that he could use his own experience to tell everyone that the dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III not only teach people to elevate their morality, deepen their cultivation, and benefit others, those discourses also can save people’s lives and bring benefits and happiness to humanity.

The host of the seminar confirmed that examples of this kind are quite numerous. Due to limitations on the length of this article, it is not possible relate each and every such example.

There were also many people who did not meet the registration deadline to attend but who still sent in letters of their learning experiences describing how after they and others around them learned the Buddha-dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, they experienced various seemingly incredible yet entirely real benefits.

Attendees of the seminar said that the experiences related at the seminar are examples of the great benefits H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has brought to so many people through His teaching of Buddha-dharma in this world. The attendees also said that such happiness and well-being cannot be found in any other place. They affirmed those incredible yet very much real miracles that occurred right here in the human realm.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/09/07/the-first-seminar-for-acaryas-and-masters-of-dharma-listening-sessions-took-place-in-hong-kong/

The Story of My Rebirth

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The Story of My Rebirth

By Buddhist Disciple Shengmei

In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage 2 spleen cancer and had the surgery performed at the University of Taiwan Hospital. In June the same year, I started chemotherapy. Sister Qinyi Zhou came to visit me in September that year and brought me a copy of the book The Buddha Speaks on Curing the Hemorrhoids Sutra. I chanted the sutra continuously for one month and I noticed the dark brown nails on my hands – the side effect of chemotherapy – had started to fade. It was unbelievable!

　　During that time, sister Zhou and Buddhist brother Sangdun Chuba Rinpoche frequently visited me and even helped me to begin to set up an altar and purchased all the necessary items to offer to the Buddhas. I also invited Buddhist brother Jijia Cuoren Rinpoche and many other Buddhist brothers and sisters to come to my house for the purification ceremony and beseeching blessings.  I then set up my dharma-listening center.  I requested recorded Dharma from International Buddhism Sangha Association in order to promote Buddha Dharma and benefit others. After that, miraculously my symptoms of peeling skins on my hands and feet and the mouth ulcer that was seriously affecting my eating gradually disappeared. What was even harder to believe was that the MRI done in November 2014 showed that the cancer had vanished. Cancer marker went from 67 to 46 in about a little more than 2 months – The terrifying spleen cancer just disappeared! I had never thought that chanting Buddhist Sutras and setting up a Dharma-listening center would have such powerful blessing on me!

　　Seeing my progress, sister Zhou encouraged me to take the examination to become a Master of Dharma-Listening Sessions so that I could promote the correct views and understanding of the Buddha dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to others. It would be the best way to benefit others and carry out the Bodhicitta. In so doing, I would receive even more blessings, she said. I did not disappoint her and successfully passed the exam in March 2015.

　　A few months after that, the doctor who was in charge of my chemotherapy, Dr. Yang, suddenly announced that my treatment should be stopped ahead of schedule ( normally it has to last for more than a year) This had never happened before! So, my confidence increased and I was even more diligent in listening to the Buddha Dharma and reading Buddhist books. I consistently rain or shine went to the group cultivation sessions held at Holy Dharma Compassion and Kindness Association.  I cultivate myself and learn from the Buddha with a heart of repentance and gratitude. On September 21, 2016 my primary doctor, Professor Tian told me “no more doctor’s visits, just periodical rechecks in charged by Dr. Yang.”  So I only need another doctor’s visit! What a great relief! I felt like a burden of rock has shifted off my shoulders.

　　During the past two years, if it was not because of the blessings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, if I did not study Buddhism and cultivate myself, if there was no help and encouragement from the Buddhist brothers and sisters , I would not have recovered from cancer and I would not have been able to travel around the world and gone to social functions! In contrast, my husband who had brain cancer and was very stubborn and did not want to believe in Buddhism died in May 2015.

　　I transform my grief to power and strongly believe in the law of cause and effect.  I will continue to study Buddhism, listen to the recorded Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, cultivate my words, thoughts, and behaviors, promote kindness and eradicate evil, and strive to correspond with the Buddha! Here, I would like to thank all the members of the medical team at Taiwan University who have treated me, all my relatives and family members, my Buddhist brothers and sisters for their kindness and care. They have made it possible for me to cultivate and learn from the Buddha! Amitabha! 

link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/09/01/the-story-of-my-rebirth/

Buddha Light Signifies The Propagation Of Tathagata Buddha Dharma

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Buddha Light Signifies The Propagation Of
Tathagata Buddha Dharma

BY HUA RU

From Grammar school to Middle school, my sister and I went to a Buddhism institute in Hong Kong. We had karmic affinity to Buddhism. Although at that time we were not familiar with or understood Buddhism, nor did we devote much time to study Buddhism. However, our heart gave rise to joyous feeling every Monday when we entered the main Buddha Hall to chant sutras.

Our karma brought us to Hua Zang Si and we have been studying Buddha dharma under the guidance of La Jian 2nd Long Hui Rinpoche.   Hua Zang Si abides by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Sakyamuni Buddhas’ teaching without the slightest deviation. The Ones of Holy Virtuous Ones and our Master are our constant role models; they lead by example. Their conduct is guided by Buddhist precepts and teaching. Their conduct has taught us and encouraged us a great deal.

We have witnessed a myriad of holy phenomena. The most inspiring and most gratifying event was that at Hua Zang Si we found ourselves in the presence of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and had the opportunity to respectfully listen to Him expounding Buddha dharma and also received the Holy Water Sprinkle Initiation Empowerment from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III personally. All these experiences further our faith in our studying Buddha dharma and firming our resolve to cultivate ourselves to benefit living beings.

Since then we have being coming to Hua Zang Si on a frequent basis to respectfully listen to the Dharma Discourse expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, participate in every Dharma Assembly held at Hua Zang Si, take part in release lives dharma assemblies with jubilant heart and with the most sincere and pure heart we continue to participate in the weekly Meditation and Group Cultivation sessions at Hua Zang Si.

The Mediataion Session of Hua Zang Si is chaired by Gesang Yiqie Qupei Rinpoche. I have received tremendous benefits from attending the Meditation Sessions. It has allowed me to penetrate the truth of Buddha dharma, helped me to understand the philosophy of proper decorum to interact with others, taught me how to maintain a calm mental state by letting go of egotistic clinging. It also elucidated me regarding the corresponding benefit resulted from abiding precepts when we do our Buddha dharma practice. I have less and less scattered and idle thoughts. I am full of joy and I smile all the time. It has had a very positive impact on my daily routine and daily life. And I also discover those who are around me having also being influenced by my state of mind have also become positive and happy.

I remember during the mediation session on September 22, 2013, while paying attention to Gesang Yiqie Qupei Rinpoche’s dharma talk, I suddenly saw a ray of golden light appeared on the Rinpoche’s Certificate of Holy Virtue, right above her photo.

At that moment I did not believe my eyes, I turned around to investigate whether it was generated by the sun. I realized it was impossible for the Sun’s ray to reach that angle. I was stunned. Next moment it disappeared. Later on, however, the ray of light re-appeared. This time, two rays of golden light appeared and what resembled green leaf also accompanied the light. The scene is beautiful beyond words, and extremely auspicious.  At that time I was so surprised and excited. I believe this verifies that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas were conferring the Buddha dharma propagated by Hua Zang Si is the authentic Tathagata Buddha dharma.

This phenomenon absolutely took place. The appearance of Buddha light signifies the propagation of correct Buddha dharma. Amitabha!

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/08/25/buddha-light-signifies-the-propagation-of-tathagata-buddha-dharma/

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INCARNATION OF DORJE CHANG BUDDHA

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INCARNATION OF DORJE CHANG BUDDHA

Dorje Chang Buddha is Buddha Vajradhara (金剛總持, pronounced jin gang zong chi in Chinese, which literally means “Supreme Ruler of the Vajra Beings”) and is also called in Chinese 持金剛 (pronounced chi jin gang, which literally means “Ruler of the Vajra Beings”). Dorje Chang Buddha is not 金剛持 (pronounced jin gang chi in Chinese, which means “Practitioner of the Vajra” as explained below). In English, people often use the word vajradhara to refer to a 金剛持 (jin gang chi), or Practitioner of the Vajra. Actually a 金剛持 (vajradhara) is a master or guru. BuddhaVajradhara is a Buddha. Moreover, Buddha Vajradhara is the primordial sambhogakaya Buddha whose sambhogakaya manifested out of the dharmakaya of Adharma Buddha (Adi Buddha, or Samantabhadra Tathagata). All of the Buddha-dharma of Buddha Vajradhara originated from the tathata (true suchness) of Samantabhadra Tathagata. With respect to the dharmakaya of Samantabhadra Tathagata, there is no past and no future. Without form yet not empty, He neither comes nor goes. There are no Buddhas above Him to become. There are no living beings below Him to be saved. Such is His absolute truth. Thus, the dharma-body state of Samantabhadra Tathagata is without signs or characteristics, without speech, and without form. As such, there is no subject or being who could expound the dharma. Without such a subject or being, the multitudinous living beings could not be saved.

Because of such karmic conditions, the formless dharmakaya Buddha generated the first sambhogakaya Buddha with form. This sambhogakaya Buddha with form transformed into Vajrasattva and other nirmanakayas. In order to make a distinction between those three, the dharmakaya Buddha was named Adharma Buddha; the sambhogakaya Buddha was named Dorje Chang Buddha; the nirmanakaya was named Vajrasattva. Actually, all three are Samantabhadra Tathagata, all three are Adharma Buddha, and three are Dorje Chang Buddha. In truth, there are not two Buddhas. These distinctions are due to a dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya. Based on this dharma, Samantabhadra Tathagata did not directly incarnate. Even the ancient Buddha Dipankara and Vajrasattva were the nirmanakayas of Dorje Chang Buddha.

Dorje Chang Buddha is also called Buddha Vajradhara or Ruler of the Vajra Beings (持金剛 chi jin gang). 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.

However, many sects and lineages list Samantabhadra Tathagata as the first Buddha who began all the lineages in the dharmadhatu. This way of thinking is actually correct as well. That is because although Samantabhadra Tathagata is a dharmakaya without form and has no way of speaking, the origin lies with this dharmakaya from which the sambhogakaya Dorje Chang Buddha manifested. This sambhogakaya Buddha was the first one to spread the Buddha-dharma in the dharmadhatu. That sambhogakaya Buddha also transformed into Vajrasattva and other nirmanakayas whospread the dharma in the triloka (three spheres). Because of the birth of Dorje Chang Buddha, living beings were thus able to become holy beings in accordance with His dharma teachings.

We often see in dharma books a blue image of Adharma Buddha. Actually, this image is a symbol. Such a symbolic form is necessary since the tathata emptiness of Adharma Buddha is invisible and cannot be depicted in a thangka. There is no way to draw the shape of emptiness. The dharmakaya has no features that can be pictorially depicted. In fact, the concept of dharmakaya is the absolute truth of the universe (dharmadhatu) that is not born and does not perish. The sambhogakaya Buddha (Buddha Vajradhara) manifested out of this concept of not being born and not perishing.

Dorje Chang Buddha is the ancient, primordial sambhogakaya Buddha. He has the unsurpassed virtuous appearance that all of the Buddhas in the ten directions have. He was the first in the dharmadhatu and triloka (three spheres) to express the dharma. Therefore, Buddha Vajradhara, or Dorje Chang Buddha, is actually the greatest leader of Buddhism in the entire dharmadhatu. He is the original ancestor of Buddhism.

However, many Buddhists misinterpret Dorje Chang Buddha, or Buddha Vajradhara, as being a 金剛持 (jin gang chi), or Practitioner of the Vajra (i.e. vajradhara). This is a mistake in a matter of principle that carries with it a karmic offence. Buddha Vajradhara has the meaning of one who is in charge of and has supervision over all of the vajra beings. Thus, He is the 持金剛 (chi jin gang) or Ruler of the Vajra Beings, the one who has dominion over the vajra beings. On the other hand, a 金剛持 (jin gang chi), or Practitioner of the Vajra (i.e. vajradhara), is one who learns the dharma and teaches others. Such a person enlightens himself and others. The term 金剛持 (jin gang chi), or Practitioner of the Vajra, connotes Vajra Master. There is a world of difference between a 金剛持 (jin gang chi) or Practitioner of the Vajra on the one hand and a 持金剛  (chi jin gang) or Ruler of the Vajra Beings on the other hand.

Buddha Vajradhara (also called Ruler of the Vajra Beings) has passed down dharma to all of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, who received such dharma. All of the Buddha-dharma of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism was originally transmitted by this Ruler of the Vajra Beings. The 84,000 dharma methods that Sakyamuni Buddha taught were transmitted to Sakyamuni Buddha by the ancient Buddha Dipankara, who was a nirmanakaya of Dorje Chang Buddha. Tibetan esoteric Buddhism, which contains all of the dharma of the Nyingma, Sakya, Jonang, Kagyu, and Geluk sects, including the Kalachakra Vajra Dharma transmitted by Sakyamuni Buddha; Japanese esoteric Buddhism; and esoteric Buddhism taught by Sakyamuni Buddha contained in the Tripitaka all come from the lineage of which Dorje Chang Buddha is the original ancestor or from the lineage of His nirmanakaya, Vajrasattva. 金剛總持 Buddha Vajradhara or Ruler of the Vajra Beings is the supreme leader of Buddhism in the dharmadhatu. He is not a Vajra Master who is a 金剛持 (jin gang chi), or Practitioner of the Vajra (i.e. vajradhara).

When disciples find a qualified master, they should visualize their Vajra Master as being a Buddha. This is done out of respect for the dharma and respect for one’s lineage. However, no matter what type of master he may be, if his identity or status has not been recognized as a Buddha by rinpoches of great holiness in accordance with the dharma, then he is not a Buddha. Still, the disciple must visualize Him as a Buddha. Even the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who as the second Buddha Vajradhara, was affirmed as a Tathagata (Buddha) through an announcement of Sakyamuni Buddha.

The incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha is different from the nirmanakayas of any other Buddha. Such an incarnation is a primordial manifestation of the existence of Buddha-dharma. In each world of living beings, there can be at any one time only one incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, who manifests or expresses the existence of the true dharma. There will not be a second incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha in the same age or era. Only after the first incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha leaves the world can the second incarnation be born based on karmic conditions relating to the good fortune of living beings. For example, the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who was the second Dorje Chang Buddha, took birth in this earthly realm in the past. The third Dorje Chang Buddha, H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, took birth in this earthly realm more than two thousand years after Vimalakirti left it and only when karmic conditions relating to the good fortune of living beings had matured.

Nobody can get away with falsely claiming to be the incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha. In order to protect the dignity of the Buddha-dharma in the dharmadhatu and prevent demons from falsely claiming to be Buddha Vajradhara or the Ruler of the Vajra Beings, Buddha Vajradhara must be born with His own dharma and realization so that He may manifest or express the dharma. No other Buddha is able to manifest realization equal to the realization of Dorje Chang Buddha. That is because in order to protect the true dharma, the Buddhas do not manifest realization powers at the sameholy level as the realization of Dorje Chang Buddha. Conversely, all demons lack the power to manifest such realization and therefore cannot manifest such realization.

When Sakyamuni Buddha lived in this world, Dorje Chang Buddha took birth as the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who helped Sakyamuni Buddha teach the 500 monks and 8,000 Bodhisattvas. The holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who was the second incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, had the highest wisdom and the greatest ability to manifest supernatural powers as an expression of dharma. No other holy being could match Him.

H.H. Mahavairocana Tathagata formally pronounced that the third incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, must meet five conditions: He must successfully invoke the Buddhas to bestow nectar. He must be able to perform the Golden Vase Selection of Karmic Affinity and predict the results of that ceremony beforehand. He must be able to eliminate the karmic obstructions of disciples. He must be able to take mist, place it inside a hollowed out sculpted boulder, and have the mist stay there. He must be able to carve wondrous multicolored sculptures.

The formal pronouncement stated that no other holy being could repeat those five types of accomplishments. It also stated that if any other person of great holiness repeat those five types of accomplishments, then Mahavairocana Tathagata’s recognition that H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu is Dorje Chang Buddha is false, and the pronouncement has deceived the public in order to build up a false reputation.

The facts have proven that in this world there is no being of great holiness and virtue or even an expert who is able to match the accomplishments of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. Furthermore, great dharma kings on the level of a Buddha or Bodhisattvahave unanimously recognized the identity of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu through recognition certificates. This thoroughly proves that no one can get away with falsely claiming the identity or status of Dorje Chang Buddha.

In order to prevent demons from wreaking havoc by falsely claiming to be the incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, the required number of many holy beings must recognize the incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha. Furthermore, many additional holy beings must bear witness to the veracity of the recognition and respectfully offer congratulations. The many holy beings who recognize the incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha must be Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or great dharma kings. Those who bear witness to the veracity of the recognition and respectfully offer congratulations must beextremely holy and virtuous Bodhisattvas. All of those who recognize, bear witness, and respectfully offer congratulations must be famous leaders within Buddhism and great rinpoches. If the identity of the person was not recognized by those on such a holy level, if congratulations were not respectfully offered to him by those on such a holy level, and if he does not have legitimate recognition certificates, then his claims that he is a holy being are false.

People say, “So-and-so rinpoche is universally recognized as the incarnation of Buddha Vajradhara.” This way of speaking is based on heretical and erroneous understanding. It is not in accord with the rules of true Buddhism. Where is the realization of this rinpoche that an incarnation of Buddha Vajradhara would have? Does this rinpoche have complete proficiency in both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism? Does he have full mastery of the Five Vidyas? Which five dharma kings have recognized his identity as being Buddha Vajradhara and which ten dharma kings or rinpoches have certified that recognition? Can he show others a recognition certificate showing he is the third Buddha Vajradhara? Which several famous people of holy virtue respectfully offered congratulations to him for being recognized? No matter how high a certain monastic may be, if he does not have true realization and the required written recognitions andcongratulations stating he is the third incarnation of Buddha Vajradhara, then all claims by others that he is Buddha Vajradhara are flattery, exaggeration, and rumors.

Hence, one must understand that Buddha Vajradhara (金剛總持, jin gang zong chi) is 持金剛 (chi jin gang, which is a Buddha). On the other hand, a 金剛持 (jin gang chi) is a lama (master). Anyone who misinterprets a 金剛持(jin gang chi) as being a 持金剛  (chi jin gang) or Buddha Vajradhara is undoubtedly placing the status of a mere vajra master over that of Amitabha Buddha and other Buddhas. Such conduct is a terrible offense because according to the sutras and esoteric scriptures Buddha Vajradhara is Dorje Chang Buddha (持金剛   chi jin gang), the Master of the Five Buddhas and other Buddhas.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/08/18/brief-description-of-the-incarnation-of-dorje-chang-buddha/

Empowerment Of The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas

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Empowerment Of The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas

A Personal Experience

by Qiu Hui Yu, a Buddhist disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Writing articles has never being an easy task for me, the challenge only compounded when it comes to speaking from the heart and the impact the Buddha dharma has had on my life since I embarked on the journey of learning Buddhism.

I have the great fortune to have the opportunity to respectfully listen to the Dharma Discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III on a frequent basis. The Buddha repeatedly reminds me that a Buddhist cultivator must resolutely and clearly believe in the laws of cause and effect and be mindful of constantly improve our speech, thoughts and actions.   I planted these teaching deep in my heart. In daily life, I am constantly mindful of my speech, thoughts and action during social interactions and how I manage affairs. And often contemplate and rectify my short comings.   As a result, I become less agitated and my worries and troubling thoughts have reduced.   Things that used to mire me in worry and despair, I can now wave them away with a chuckle. Individuals, whom used to cause me unpleasantness, no longer impose such an unwelcome impression. Just when I commended myself about the improvement, something happened that almost obliterated my clam and peaceful state of mind.

About half a year ago, when a good friend of mine ran into difficulties, I did all I could to help him as a friend. However, things sometimes have minds of their own, not only the results were not as expected, but it roused dissatisfaction and misunderstanding from my friend.   He twisted my pure intention and accused me of purposeful deceit, and even threatened me with legal recourse. Other friends were well aware of my honest intention and supported me with their heart, but they could not tangibly help me in any way. I found myself between a rock and a hard place. I have never found myself in such a precarious situation.   I can honestly say I did nothing wrong, but things were careening down a narrow one way street with no room for maneuvering. I did not know how to face the situation calm and collected. In deep despair facing this seemingly helpless troubling situation, the only thing that I could do was to go to Hua Zang Si and confess to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas everything and to beseech blessing.

Walking in Hua Zang Si that day, I felt depressed and helpless beyond words. I even felt that I could not breathe. After I paid my homage, I joined my palms and knelt down in front of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and started to report the entire situation. Then what happened next was something that I shall remembered for the rest of my life. After only three to four sentences, my complex despondence suddenly lifted and my heart became unbelievable calm. It was as if an ominous grey sky suddenly transformed into vast limitless blue sky. This very situation regarded as even more serious as “the sky is falling” just a few seconds ago, suddenly no longer had any effect on me. I felt an indescribable calm and peace that I have never experienced before; it was as if I had been transported to Shari-la. I felt complete ease and tranquility.

I immediately registered this sudden change of my state of mind, tears rushed down my face before I even knew it. I finally felt the empowerment of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, something I have yearned for a very long time. From that day forward, nothing fazed me again, I could completely let go of anything. Awhile later the situation with my friend ran its course and resolved in a positive manner. Once again, I want to express sincere gratitude to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

As consequence of this experience now whatever thrown my way, I may feel misunderstood or sad, but I never have even a slight hint of hatred. I could forbear and never put blame on anyone. Reflecting upon it, I am grateful for such an opportunity, because ever since this situation I am able to face anything in my life constructively with rectitude.

This self- transformation could only become possible when I began to learn Buddhism, I understand the laws of cause and effect never errs. Everything that we experience in this life is simply what we have done in the past coming to roost. Whatever happens, do not let it affects us, and definitely there is no need to complain about it. Instead, do our best to pay back the debt and dissolve all the negative karmic causes that we have planted since time immemorial.

From this moment forward, we should faithfully follow the teachings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas; abide by precepts without deviation, and to correct any imperfection of our speech, thoughts and actions little by little but persistently. As long as we stay on this course persistently, it is unequivocal that Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will confer empowerment upon us, and such empowerment is without bound.

I just want to share this very experience with my fellow cultivators and let it serve as a mutual encouragement. The path of learning Buddhism is long and arduous. We will face challenges and calamities. But as long our goal is clear and correct and we are resolved to reach that goal, as long as we can persist and forebear insult, we will be able to pacify all difficulties and obstacles and be on our way to the brilliant path of enlightenment.

From the bottom of my heart I wish all the cultivators be persistent and plant good karmic causes and elevate ourselves to a higher level in our pursuit of learning Buddhism and may all of us realize Bodhi. Amitabha!

Link :https://wisdomtea.org/2022/07/28/empowerment-of-the-buddhas-and-bodhisattvas-2/

What Should We Do about the Matter of Death?

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What Should We Do about the Matter of Death?

Written by: Hua Jing

I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Layperson Hou Yushan, a university professor in physics, ascended to the World of Ultimate Bliss (Webpage in Chinese)

Layperson Lin Liu Huixiu in Seattle ascended to the World of Ultimate Bliss in a sitting pose (Webpage in Chinese)

While they were alive, the dharma brother and dharma sister worked diligently on their own duties to take care of their family and do volunteer work. Later, they became seriously ill. At such critical moment, they encountered extremely magnificent affinities with the dharma. They respectfully and faithfully listened to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and had the opportunity to pay respect to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in person. With boundless compassion, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III transmitted the dharma to them. Through diligently practicing the dharma, they ascended to the World of Ultimate Bliss. Living beings should all think and seriously ask themselves a question. Who can be guaranteed to ascend to the World of Ultimate Bliss??

After attending the funeral/farewell ceremony for Layperson Hou Yushan, I recalled the time I was having dinner with Layperson Lin Liu Huixiu while she was already terminally ill. The memory of her reminding me to start eating was as fresh and vivid as yesterday. The karmic condition that caused me to learn the Buddha-dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III also resurfaced in my mind…

At the age of over 80, my grandpa was stricken in bed with pneumonia. In the early morning on that day, he was unable to breath on his own and a tube had to be inserted to feed oxygen in. The suffering caused him to be tied up on the bed yowling for several hours. Eventually, the misery ended at four o’clock in the afternoon. Despite having a strong will to live, he was nevertheless overpowered by the devil of illness and left the world unwillingly. The tragic scene before his death still appears before my eyes…In the morning of that day, grandpa could still talk and move normally. Using hand gestures to help explain, he repeatedly mentioned the time of 4 o’clock in the afternoon to me and my mother. Perhaps he already knew that the Yama King would soon come to take him…

Grandpa’s passing away greatly affected my view toward life. He was at the hospital at the time. I watched with my own eyes him stepping into the impermanence of death. I was unable to help him in any way. His death was like a horrible dream to me. I suddenly woke up to the fact that a person will die… Even the doctor can’t do anything. Where does one go after death? What can we do about that? What can we do about that?

I had never heard about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III before then. My karmic forces were very heavy. I would doze off when listening to chanting sutras. I was only fond of pursuing worldly good fortune. To quest for the answer of what to do about death, I began to listen to the dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. At the very beginning of listening to the recorded dharma discourses, to tell the truth, I could not get most of what I heard due to my inability to understand the accent. However, any small paragraph that I could understand made me feel like getting precious treasures, even though I did not have any background in Buddhism. Through this process of entering deeply to achieve a simple and explicit understanding, I heard the truth about the universe and human life. The words of “formation, abiding, decaying, and vanishing” sounded extremely precise and accurate. What is impermanence? Why do we have to end birth and death! The dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is so great and magnificent!

After respectfully listening to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have understood what impermanence is about. I am no longer worried or in fear. I also have adjusted the emphasis of my life and do not solely go after worldly enjoyment.

A person will die… Even the doctor can’t do anything. Where does one go after death? What can we do about that? What can we do about that? Actually these questions have been explained very clearly in the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and are very minor problems……

Do you have questions about ascending to the World of Ultimate Bliss?
Do you have questions about Arhat, Bodhisattva, and Buddha?
If you can respectfully and seriously listen to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, you will have all the answers.
The accomplishment one attains depends on one’s own cultivation, conduct, and level of practice.
I am boundlessly grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
I beseech and wish living beings have the opportunity to hear the dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and all attain perfect good fortune and wisdom, great accomplishment, and great liberation!

I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!
I most sincerely prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/07/07/what-should-we-do-about-the-matter-of-death/

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Lineage

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H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Lineage

When the universe originated, it was boundless and everything was silent. There was no such thing as length of time or size of space. There was no shape and form, no interior and exterior, no birth and death. This is the dharmakaya (dharma body) Buddha. The true meaning of the dharmakaya Buddha is the concept of a universe that does not perish. This concept of a universe that does not perish is also called “dharmadhatu-tathata (dharma realm true-suchness),” which is Samantabhadra Tathagata (Adharma Buddha).

However, the dharmakaya Buddha only expresses the concept of the true essence of the universe; that is, not being born and not dying, not coming and not going. The dharmakaya Buddha has no form and does not speak. It has no way to communicate any meaning, such as meaning through images or meaning through language. Because of such karmic conditions, the formless dharmakaya Buddha generated the first sambhogakaya Buddha with form. This sambhogakaya Buddha with form transformed into Vajrasattva and other nirmanakayas.

In order to make a distinction between those three, the dharmakaya Buddha was named Adharma Buddha, the sambhogakaya Buddha was named Dorje Chang Buddha, and the nirmanakaya was named Vajrasattva. Actually, Samantabhadra Tathagata is Adharma Buddha and also is Dorje Chang Buddha. In truth, there are not two Buddhas. These distinctions resulted from there being a dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya.

Based on this dharma, Samantabhadra Tathagata did not directly incarnate. Even the ancient Buddha Dipankara and Vajrasattva were the nirmanakayas of Dorje Chang Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha was a disciple of Dipankara Buddha. However, many sects list Samantabhadra Tathagata as the first Buddha who began all the lineages in the dharmadhatu. This way of thinking is actually not erroneous. That is because although Samantabhadra Tathagata is a dharmakaya without form and has no way of speaking, the origin lies with this dharmakaya from which the sambhogakaya Dorje Chang Buddha manifested. This sambhogakaya Buddha was the first one to spread the Buddha-dharma and save living beings in the three spheres of existence so that they would become holy beings.

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.

The teachings of Dorje Chang Buddha led to many disciples becoming Buddhas. The five most famous among such disciples are Aksobhya Buddha of the east, Ratnasambhava Buddha of the south, Amitabha Buddha of the west, Amoghasiddhi Buddha of the north, and Vairocana Buddha of the center. There are also many other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas among the original disciples of Dorje Chang Buddha. Dorje Chang Buddha was the one who initially propagated the Buddha-dharma in the dharmadhatu. Dorje Chang Buddha is the supreme leader of all of Buddhism in the dharmadhatu.

The incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha is different from the incarnation of any other Buddha. Such an incarnation is a primordial manifestation of the existence of Buddha-dharma. In each world of living beings, there can be at any one time only one incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, who manifests or expresses the existence of the true dharma. There will not be a second incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha in the same age or era. Only after the first incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha leaves the world can the second incarnation be born based on karmic conditions relating to the good fortune of living beings. For example, the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who was the second Dorje Chang Buddha, took birth in this earthly realm in the past. The third Dorje Chang Buddha took birth in this earthly realm more than two thousand years after Vimalakirti left it and only when karmic conditions relating to the good fortune of living beings had matured. Furthermore, according to the formal pronouncement of H.H. Mahavairocana Tathagata Dharma King Zunsheng, the fourth Dorje Chang Buddha will descend into this world five thousand years from now.

H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu is the only Dorje Chang Buddha III in the history of Buddhism. This has been recognized by greatly accomplished beings of the highest order in the world as well as famous dharma kings and rinpoches from various sects who have issued written recognition documents in accordance with the dharma!

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/02/09/h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-lineage/

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Lineage

Early Buddhist Sects

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Early Buddhist Sects

Sautrantika: One of the early Indian schools of this tradition. Also known as the Sutra-Only School because it focused on just the discourses of the Buddha.

Vaibhasika: An influential early Indian school in north-west India also of this tradition. Its version of the Abhidharma, the Mahavibhasa (The Great Book of Alternatives), was the basis for Vasubandhu’s Abhidharma-kosa that is still studied in Tibetan monasteries and considered to be one of the five classic commentaries or treatises that should be mastered.

Theravada (Lineage of the Elders): This is the form of Buddhism that was transmitted very early to the South-east Asian counties of Sri Lanka (247 BCE) and Burma (272-236 BCE) and later to Thailand (1260), Laos (14th century), Cambodia, and southern Viet Nam. It was between 25 and 17 BCE that the Pali canon or scriptures were first recorded in Sri Lanka. In America it is also popularly known as vipassana or Insight Meditation. The most conservative branch of Buddhism, the Theravadans based their practice exclusively on the Tripitaka of the Pali Scriptures and are the only remaining school evolving out of this tradition. Their focus is the practice of mindfulness, which involves cultivating an awareness of one’s thoughts, actions, and body to become aware of what one does and one’s motivation. This is a prelude to a direct understanding of the transitory, conditioned nature of existence. Theravadans take refuge in the three jewels and follow the five precepts of no killing, no stealing, no inappropriate sex, no inappropriate speech, and no ingesting substances that befuddle consciousness. Monastics must be celibate and cannot claim to have supernormal powers. The goal of one following this path is to become an arhat. It has become a popular form of Buddhism in the United States. Some modern western leaders in this school have questioned if enlightenment is possible or even a useful goal, stressing more the integration of Buddhist concepts and theories with Western psychology and therapy.

When Shakyamuni Buddha lived on this planet over 2500 years ago, he transmitted dharma to the many disciples who followed him. After the Buddha’s Parinivana, one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, Venerable Mahakasyapa, became the head of the sangha and presided over the First Great Council at Rajagrha that was held to codify the Buddha’s teachings. He was known for his accomplishments in the dharma.

Ananda, the Buddha’s younger cousin and known as “the assistant who heard much,” became the second patriarch in this lineage after Mahakasyapa passed away. As a condition for becoming the Buddha’s attendant, a position he held for 24 years, Ananda requested no preferential treatment and that the Buddha repeat for him any teachings he might miss. He was gifted with total recall and at the First Great Council repeated all of the Buddha’s teachings from memory. His recitation became the basis for the Sutras in the Tripitaka. When Guru Padmasambhava reincarnated eight years after Shakyamuni Buddha left this world, it was Venerable Ananda who transmitted the special dharma that Shakyamuni instructed him to transmit.

The sangha divided into many sects based on different interpretations and emphasis. The main split was between what became known as the Sravakayana (or Path of the Arhats) and Mahayana (or Path of the Bodhisattvas) Vehicles. Of the eighteen or so lessor vehicle sects, only the Theravada School has survived. This is the dominant form of Buddhism practiced in Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Today there are over 100 million Theravada Buddhist worldwide with a growing number of temples and groups forming in the West as the people of Southeast Asia migrate to the West.

Many Westerners have also gone to Southeast Asia to study and have brought their own form of usually lay practice to the West, often referred to as Insight Meditation or vipassana. Theravada monasteries have developed in the U.S. that train western monastics, notably the Bhavana Society Forest Monastery and Meditation Center (Sri Lanka) in High View, West Virginia, and Abhayagiri (Fearless Mountain) Monastery (Thai) also in the forest monk tradition in Redwood Valley, California.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/02/02/early-buddhist-sects/

Early Buddhist Sects

What is Karma?

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The law of karma is a special instance of the law of cause and effect, according to which all our actions of body, speech and mind are causes and all our experiences are their effects. The law of karma explains why each individual has a unique mental disposition, a unique physical appearance and unique experiences. These are the various effects of the countless actions that each individual has performed in the past. We cannot find any two people who have created exactly the same history of actions throughout their past lives, and so we cannot find two people with identical states of mind, identical experiences or identical physical appearances. Each person has different individual karma. Some people enjoy good health while others are constantly ill. Some people are seen as very beautiful while others are seen as very ugly. Some people have a happy disposition that is easily pleased while others have a sour disposition and are rarely delighted by anything. Some people easily understand the meaning of spiritual teachings while others find them difficult and obscure.

Every action we perform leaves an imprint, or potentiality, on our very subtle mind, and each imprint eventually gives rise to its own effect. Our mind is like a field, and performing actions is like sowing seeds in that field. Virtuous actions sow seeds of future happiness and non-virtuous actions sow seeds of future suffering. These seeds remain dormant in our mind until the conditions for them to ripen occur, and then they produce their effect. In some cases, this can happen many lifetimes after the original action was performed.

It is because of our karma or actions that we are born in this impure, contaminated world and experience so many difficulties and problems. Our actions are impure because our mind is contaminated by the inner poison of self-grasping. This is the fundamental reason why we experience suffering. Suffering is created by our own actions or karma – it is not given to us as a punishment. We suffer because we have accumulated many non-virtuous actions in our previous lives. The source of these non-virtuous actions is our own delusions such as anger, attachment and self-grasping ignorance.

Once we have purified our mind of self-grasping and all other delusions, all our actions will naturally be pure. As a result of our pure actions or pure karma, everything we experience will be pure. We will abide in a pure world, with a pure body, enjoying pure enjoyments and surrounded by pure beings. There will no longer be the slightest trace of suffering, impurity or problems. This is how to find true happiness from within our mind.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2021/12/29/what-is-karma/

Link: https://www.kadampanewyork.org/what-is-karma/