Category: Uncategorized

Buddha-Bestowed Nectars Unexpectedly Appeared

steve16581 Comment

Buddha-Bestowed Nectars Unexpectedly Appeared

By Zhaxi Zhuoma

(Reported from Los Angeles) Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra is truly a supreme holy scripture. On March 7, 2014 CE, a dharma assembly of empowerment with this treasure book was held for the first time at the Holy Manifestation Temple in the United States of America. The treasure book Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, the six great dharmas, holy mantras, and letters of petition to be chanted and practiced by the seven types of cultivators, and dharma water and willow branches were presented to the dharma rostrum for worshipping. Forty six (46) pieces of first-publishing stamping seals to be empowered by the dharma water were placed at the front.

Dharma King Gar Tongstan Ciren Gyatso escorted the purple-colored brass dharma bowl that he had beseeched in person from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to the Holy Manifestation Temple. The dharma bowl was then placed onto the elegantly carved granite fortune-beseeching platform. Elder Dharma King Gar Tongstan, Kaichu Rinpoche who is over the age of 80, and Gongga Rinpoche who is 20 years old performed the leading roles of dharma practice at the dharma assembly. Dharma King Gar Tongstan handed the dharma bowl to Kaichu Rinpoche in person. After the rituals of praying and bathing the mandala, Gongga Rinpoche fetched clear water and washed the dharma bowl as watched by everyone. Then the dharma bowl was presented onto the fortune-beseeching platform. All attendees of this dharma assembly were rinpoches, dharma masters, and acaryas. They all started to chant the Six Character Great Bright Mantra and the Heart Sutra with great devotion.

Dharma King Gar Tongstan is using the Seven-Component (with nectars being the leading one) Holy water to empower the stamping seals and ink paste to be used for the first-publishing memorial edition of Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra

About a little over ten minutes after the dharma assembly had begun, gusty winds suddenly started to roll in the sky. The sounds of whoosh signaled the arrival of many holy dharma protectors. However, the yellow-satin banners covering the walls of the dharma tent were not rolled up by the strong winds. At this time, disciples each saw different holy magnificent states that were beyond description by words! After the chanting of the sutra and the mantra had stopped, Gongga Rinpoche was going to pour six glasses of dharma water into the dharma bowl at the center. Suddenly, he saw through the transparent cover of the dharma bowl light being emitted within the bowl. Upon looking closely, many nectars were seen inside the bowl. With astonishment and joy, he immediately prostrated to the dharma bowl. The site of the dharma assembly was filled with a scene of happiness and delight. People all went forward to view the dharma bowl respectfully. Some people saw that the nectars were five-colored. Some saw the nectars as being purple-red colored. Some others saw the nectars as being white. The shapes and forms of the nectars were unlike any objects or matters in the human world. The nectars were truly wonderful and miraculous beyond description!

People present all praised the holy scene with surprise and joy. After this period of excitement, the six glasses of dharma water were merged with the nectars. Holy water of seven components, with nectars being the leading one, was created in the dharma bowl. Dharma King Gar Tongstan used willow branches to sprinkle the holy water onto the first-publishing stamping seals to empower the ink paste and the stamping seals. He also knocked the dharma bowl to have it ring loudly to manifest the voice of the dharma transmitting through the sky to everywhere in the dharma realm to benefit living beings with perfect good fortune and wisdom.

Attendees all witnessed Buddhas bestowed nectars at the dharma assembly, as a congratulation to the Supreme Treasure Scripture Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra.

Attendees all witnessed Buddhas bestowed nectars at the dharma assembly, as a congratulation to the Supreme Treasure Scripture Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra.

Although H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III did not come to the site to practice the dharma, because of the presence of the scripture Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra expounded by His Holiness the Buddha, the boundless merit and realization power of His Holiness the Buddha still invoked Buddha-bestowed nectars. All these supreme holy manifestations thoroughly proved that the dharma Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the most supreme unsurpassable sutra of Buddhism leading to liberation and accomplishment!

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2023/03/16/buddha-bestowed-nectars-unexpectedly-appeared/

“After attending that dharma assembly, I fell the warmth from my two feet and no longer need to use a hot-water bag to help me fall asleep. Even when I wake up at night, I would pleasantly find that my feet warm….”

steve1658Leave a comment

“After attending that dharma assembly, I fell the warmth from my two feet and no longer need to use a hot-water bag to help me fall asleep. Even when I wake up at night, I would pleasantly find that my feet warm….”

By: Disciple Huiyu Qiu

In September 2016, I had the good fortune to attend the Dharma Assembly of Empowerment by Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva’s Great Compassion held at Hua Zang Si and received very magnificent benefits. I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience and feelings on that day with my fellow cultivators.

At the beginning of the dharma assembly, the presiding master told us to chant the mantra first. The rhythm of chanting was rather slow and the sound was very wonderful and beautiful. My feeling was completely different from my experience of the chanting I normally did.

After chanting for a short while, without knowing any reason, my father, my husband, and my two children suddenly appeared in my mind. The appearance of my father was especially clear. Sadness rose in me and tears streamed down through my face. I thought that they had not taken refuge in Buddhism and did not have the affinity to learn the true dharma of the Tathagata. That was the reason that I could not bear the sad feeling.

I stopped weeping and continue to chant. At that time, my grandparents from both my mother’s side, who have passed away and my father’s side as well as some other family members and relatives all appeared before my eyes. Though the view just flashed by me momentarily, I felt that I saw each of them clearly. I thought about the fact that some of them had not taken refuge while some others, though had taken refuge, were still not diligently making a good effort to learn and practice Buddha-dharma. Thinking that they would surely be in very miserable and lonely situations in the future, I could not suppress my sad mood and wept again.

Then I stopped weeping and continued to chant. Next, the faces of my father, husband, and children emerged before my eyes again. Every time I saw them, my heart was painfully pulled. I could not keep myself from weeping.

I once again stopped weeping and joined the chanting again. At this time, my ears clearly heard the voices of chanting the mantra from the crowd. However, my heart felt that I heard a voice of shouting for rescue. It sounded like a desperate yelling for help from someone who was completely surrounded by a situation of despair and horror. I had a very shocking feeling at the time. Clearly, this is the call for help from living beings, begging Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to rescue them! We are sincerely beseeching Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to save us and cross us over, to lead us to leave the abyss of pain and suffering in samsara forever! At this time, the sadness and bitterness in my heart were beyond description by words. Thus, I cried again with my face covered by tears.

After chanting the mantra, the dharma master announced that the dharma assembly would formally begin. I kept my body in a fixed posture and closed my eyes. I did my best to stay calm.

Very soon, the sound of patting came from behind. Also, people on my right side generated different kinds of sound. Someone before me was crying and fell to the ground. I sensed that she later moved to lie next to my feet (not sure whether she was actually lying down or not) and touched me a few times. I tried not to think about that. Shortly after that, she moved to behind me and started to pat the rear of my left foot and then my right foot. My right foot was hit with more power and more frequently. I dared not move myself at all and tried my best to keep my mind calm. However, I was still somewhat at a loss since I did not know what she might do to me next. When the patting stopped, I felt that she was still behind me. After a while, my right foot was again patted a few times. After that, she seemed to have left me. My eyes were always closed during this period. I dared not open my eyes.

My two arms felt more and more tired. I put my arms down twice and raised them again. After putting down my arms the last time, I felt that my neck began to rotate very slowly from right to left. After rotating two rounds, it went the opposite direction. At that time, I could not be sure whether this was an empowerment from Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva or a response made by myself due to being eager to receive empowerment.

Next, my both shoulders began to turn from the front to the back.

After that, I heard singing. I could not hear the words of singing clearly. At this time, my shoulders continued turning and the speed seemed to be faster.

Finally, I could hear clearly that the song was the Six Character Great Bright Mantra and “Namo Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva.” I first followed the singing with humming and then joined with my open voice. At this time, the movement of my two hands became bigger. My hands were swinging back and forth and left and right, as if doing a stretching exercise. However, all movements were spontaneous and beyond my own control.

At this time, I heard a fellow sister behind me speaking loudly in Cantonese. She seemed to be saying that we have committed lots of sins and evil deeds in the past and therefore we now must repent earnestly and so on.

My hands continued swinging. I followed the singing and joined from time to time. At this time, my hand movement changed and turned into a movement of dancing. That was the hand gesture in a Chinese classic dance. I was dancing to the singing. My heart was filled with the joy of the dharma. With a smile on my face and while singing lightly, I made all kinds of wonderful movement with my hands (At least I felt that my hand movement was very wonderful.). Totally without any control, I felt that all movements were so smooth, fluent, and natural. Though my eyes were always closed, my mind was very clear and very much open. I was clearly aware what gestures and movements were performed by my hands. However, the dancing and moving of my hands was not directed by my own mind.

My two hands kept waving and moving. However, when the master leading the dharma practice called out “Stop!”, my hands gradually moved to a position before my chest and stopped there.

After the perfect conclusion of the dharma assembly, the attending crowd went together to perform the ending practice of saving living beings from captivity. On the trip of driving back home, I unexpectedly noticed that my two feet were warm. This was something extraordinary to me. For quite a number of years, my two feet were rather cold. In particular, I must have a hot water bag prepared before going to bed. Otherwise I would not be able to fall asleep. Even if I went to sleep after having a hot bath or having my feet soaked in hot water, my feet would still be cold. Sometimes when I did not use a hot water bag, I would wake up at night with my feet being ice-cold. I could feel the chilly air from my bones and would even tremble. At that time, I had to have the hot-water bag ready immediately. After attending that dharma assembly, I fell the warmth from my two feet and no longer need to use a hot-water bag to help me fall asleep. Even when I wake up at night, I would pleasantly find that my feet warm.

I am grateful to the empowerment bestowed on me by the greatly loving and greatly compassionate Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva!

Additionally, I also had an unexpected discovery. The ankle joints in my two feet were no longer in pain. I could not remember since when my ankle joints started to ache, but it should have been for quite a while. I did not know what the cause was either. Normally, there was no pain if I do not touch them. However, it was very painful if the spot was pressed. Therefore, when I sat crossed legged to practice meditation, a towel or a blanket must be placed under my feet. Otherwise I would not be able to keep myself in a sitting position.

Yesterday evening, while chatting with my family members after dinner, I reached out to massage the ankle joints on my right foot as I used to do. I did not even feel any pain at all. I immediately pressed the ankle joints on my left foot and did not feel any pain either. I dared not believe that fact at the time and repeatedly pressed the spots many times. It was really true that I had no pain at all.

I once again express my gratitude to the greatly loving and greatly compassionate Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva!

This dharma assembly was very magnificent. The attending crowd were also empowered by Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva’s great compassion and were full of the joy from the dharma. Had I not experienced the occasion in person, I absolutely would not be able to imagine the inconceivable feeling and benefits I had when the empowerment from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas came to me!

I gratefully prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!

I gratefully prostrate to the greatly loving and greatly compassionate Kuan Shi Yin Bodhisattva!

I gratefully prostrate to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the ten directions!

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2023/02/23/after-attending-that-dharma-assembly-i-fell-the-warmth-from-my-two-feet-and-no-longer-need-to-use-a-hot-water-bag-to-help-me-fall-asleep-even-when-i-wake-up-at-night-i-would-pleasantly-fin/

Good Fortune

steve1658Leave a comment

Good Fortune

Good Fortune is symbolized by the Chinese characters “fu bao” which are usually translated as having abundant happiness and blessings or living a “good life” including having high status, good health, and longevity. It also includes being free of calamities or avoiding disasters as expressed by the Chinese “mian zai.” However, like many of these Buddha-dharma “jewels” it has a deeper meaning as well. It also represents the accumulation of merit, one of the two accumulations or resources necessary to become a Buddha. You accumulate merit to acquire the body of a Buddha. The other is the accumulation of wisdom. You accumulate wisdom to acqure the mind of a Buddha. You acquire good fortune by practicing the basic precepts of the Buddha: “Cease Evil, Do Good, and Help Others.”

There are many aspects of Good Fortune that we need to understand in taking the “Quick Path to Enlightenment.” This includes its “worldly” aspects as well as its holy qualities. Since your fortune is determined by the laws of karma, it is also important that you have an understanding of karma as well.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2023/01/19/good-fortune/

Three foods options to boost immune system

steve1658Leave a comment

Three foods options to boost immune system

If you’re looking for ways to prevent colds, the flu, and other infections, then you can try these 3 food options. Feeding your body with these 3 food options may keep your immune system strong.

#1 Citrus fruits

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Most people turn straight to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system.

Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.

Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C that fights free radicals in the body which may help prevent or delay certain cancers and heart disease, and promote healthy aging.

Popular citrus fruits include grapefruit, oranges,  clementines, tangerines, lemons, and limes.

#2 Red Bell Peppers

A cup of chopped red bell pepper contains nearly three times more vitamin C than an orange—190 mg. Red peppers are also a great source of vitamin A, which promotes eye health.

#3 Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.

One cup of raw chopped broccoli has 81 mg vitamin C. That’s not quite as much as orange juice, but a big serving of raw broccoli provides most of the vitamin C you’ll need for one day.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/12/22/three-foods-options-to-boost-immune-system/

Finding a True Vajra Master

steve1658Leave a comment

Finding a True Vajra Master

The practice of esoteric Buddhism depends on establishing the proper relationship with an authentic vajra master. This requires that a karmic affinity exists between the master and the disciple. A disciple must carefully choose his or her master and the master must select the disciple as well to determine whether or not the potential disciple is a suitable vessel to receive and understand the teachings of Buddhism. An unqualified disciple is not allowed to receive the great tantra. Once the relationship between a disciple and a vajra master is established, the disciple must respect his or her master as a Buddha throughout his or her lifetime. Once you have found an authentic master, you should begin to learn the teachings in a fully committed, whole-hearted way. If there are Bodhisattva masters present, you should learn from them. The rules of the dharma require that you must learn from your vajra master in order to attain accomplishment.

It is critical in practicing esoteric Buddhism that you envision the master as being capable of developing the fundamentals and that you rely on this master for your liberation by faithfully establishing your actions, speech, and thought to be the same as your master’s. Paying utmost and sincere respect to your master is essential to the way of becoming a Buddha. This is because when the master is treated with respect as a Buddha, you are learning from a Buddha and only a Buddha can liberate you. If you cannot see your master as a Buddha, how can he or she confer the special blessings of a Buddha that can enable you to become enlightened? If you view your master as an ordinary person you will definitely only receive the results of an ordinary person, no matter what level of realization the master may have.

You must know that your three karma gates (conduct, speech, and thought) must correspond to the three karmas of your vajra master. However, it is essential to clearly evaluate and verify the qualifications the master possesses. If the master does not have an understanding of the sutras, possess the realizations of Buddha-dharma, or is able to perform two or three of the five vidyas that are beyond the ordinary person’s abilities and powers, the master is not qualified. This so-called master is an ordinary person and is not qualified to be considered a master. Corresponding to the three karmas of a unqualified master can lead you to being guilty of the most heinous crimes.

The three steps of showing respect to a vajra master are:

1.  Do your best to serve and please your master.

2.  Have complete confidence in the teachings of your master.

3.  Treat your master and the Buddha as one and the same.

There are many different types and levels of masters:

  • The refuge master
  • The conditional or basic master (sometimes referred to as a doctrine master)
  • The vajra master

Your refuge master is the one from whom you receive the refuge vows and precepts and who teaches you how to practice the refuge state.

The conditional or basic masters, who may or may not also be your refuge master, are kind and dignified Buddhist teachers who are very knowledgeable and compassionate. This is the master that you listen to for his or her interpretation of the sutras or discourses. These discourses are according to the teachings of sutra-pitaka. When the conditions are right, you may study or learn from such a master. Even a great vajra master or dharma king may serve as your conditional master or even your refuge master.

On the other hand, the vajra master teaches the tantra and confers the tantric initiation. Your vajra master is the master who transmits the Buddha-dharma to you and initiates you in the Buddha-dharma. The disciple follows the doctrine of this master in the practice of the disciple’s yidam. The vajra master also teaches and transmits the doctrines of exoteric Buddhism. The high level vajra masters have acquired liberation from the cycle of birth and death and have already obtained the dharmakaya themselves.

The highest of all is the dharma king master who represents the highest accomplishments of all with an understanding of the Tripitaka and tantras that is equal to the Buddha, who is able to conduct all of the inner tantra initiations, and who has the highest level of achievement in all of the five vidyas. Such a being has direct contact with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and can exhibit supernatural powers both in the mandala and in other ways.

A disciple may take refuge with any vajra master who can meet the qualifications listed below and who can arrange that the disciple will receive the appropriate inner tantra initiations when the disciple is ready to receive them, either by conducting them or by having his or her vajra master conduct them. This means that a beginning vajra master must have as his or her master an authentic inner tantra master or a dharma king or Buddha who will serve as the disciple’s “Grand Master” and give the highest initiations. If you want to achieve liberation, you should not take as your master one who does not meet these standards.

As a minimum, any master must have very high moral achievement; must understand the meaning of the Buddha’s teachings and have command of sutra and tantra; is conversant in the five vidyas; can continue the dharma lineage by having sufficient merit to disseminate the Buddha-dharma to liberate all sentient beings; and have received the Vajra Acarya Initiation or other form of certification from someone who possesses the qualifications to bestow it. A vajra master must also have the other four virtues of always obeying his or her master’s orders; not violating any of the esoteric or exoteric precepts; expounding the Correct Dharma; and having equal compassion for all believers, never giving up on them, and loving everyone—even his or her enemies. In addition, a vajra master should diligently practice the principles explained in “What Is Cultivation?,” perfect the six paramitas, and be able to manifest at least two of the five vidyas. They must also have the approval of their vajra master to enter a mandala and perform empowerments and initiations for disciples. You can count on following such masters to reach liberation.

An inner tantra master, in addition to the above conditions, must possess the mandala power to confer at least one of the inner tantra initiations. The disciple must be able to see evidence that the dharma protecting deities have actually come to the mandala. (In this context, mandala refers to the sacred altar area where initiations are given.) An inner tantra master must be able to document that he or she has met the qualifications for giving inner tantric initiations. A dharma king must possess all four divisions of the inner tantra initiations and the supreme secret inner tantra initiations in addition to all the criteria stated above and greatly excel in all five vidyas. In short, a dharma king must be able to communicate directly with the saints or great holy ones (Buddhas and Bodhisattvas). A true holy dharma king also possesses a vajra dharma wheel (dharmachakra) that can make decisions concerning who should receive which inner tantra initiations as well as perform other miraculous functions.

There is also the Holy Form of Inner Tantra Initiations that is even more rare and will not be discussed here. Read H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for more information on this very high form of practice. There are very few people in the world today who can perform it.

You should never be confused by outer appearances. Do not misconceive the false as the true and mistake outer tantra initiation as inner tantra initiation. Most empowerments or initiations given today are only outer tantra initiations. The inner tantra initiation is for people with the utmost Mahayana’s faculty to enter Buddhahood in their current lifetime and not for regular practitioners. Moreover, the saint who can confer an inner tantra initiation is very rare; it is hard to find one in 10,000 great rinpoches. However, you should never look down upon outer tantra initiation and its practices that were also handed down by the Buddhas and also possess the tantra blessing power. If you correspond your three karmas with the teachings of your master and practice accordingly, then you can get out of reincarnation by means of outer tantra initiation.

Practitioner Mi-Kong in How to Recognize the Vajra Tantra states:

“Tantra provides a shortcut for achievement and for the highest level of attainment (that is, for one who practices unexcelled yoga, Supreme Tantra enables one to become a Buddha in the current life, make the whole body transparent, transform miraculously at one’s will and be the same entity as the universe). Hence, many practitioners have devoted their entire life to seeking the utmost tantra since Adharma Buddha (the Adi-Buddha) started teaching tantra. I have studied tantra for decades in Tibet and have seen an enormous amount of tantra—similar to a deep ocean—that is immense, concise and wise. Many great virtuous ones throughout Tibet have achieved Nirvana based on tantra. Consequently, a number of normal Buddhism teachers and false practitioners pretend to be rinpoches or khutukhus and claim themselves to be vajra masters. They teach false tantra. Innumerable innocent people have been deceived and learned nothing but rather wasted time and effort; even worse, some have entered the wrong paths and become the devil’s offspring. Especially during the current degenerate period, it is difficult to distinguish between a Buddha and a devil, and there are more false masters than can be counted. Sentient beings are easily bewildered by false dharma and deceiving masters.”

The United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters has developed a system for determining the qualifications and levels of accomplishment of various masters. You should refer to their public announcements on how to determine the level of any master so that you will not be misled. You should also know that until any master reaches a very high level of non-regression, he or she can devolve into an ordinary being even though he or she was once a true vajra master. Reading the 128 Evil and Erroneous Views and listening to recorded dharma discourses given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are also helpful in knowing what to look for in a vajra master.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/12/15/finding-a-true-vajra-master/

True innocence relieves the suffering of many

steve1658Leave a comment

True innocence relieves the suffering of many

Once upon a time, the Enlightenment Being was born as a fish in a pond in northern India. There were many kinds of fish, big and small, living in the pond with the Bodhisatta.

There came to be a time of severe draught. The rainy season did not come as usual. The crops of men died, and many ponds, lakes and rivers dried up.
The fish and turtles dug down and buried themselves in the mud, frantically trying to keep wet and save themselves. The crows were pleased by all this. They stuck their beaks down into the mud, pulled up the frightened little fish, and feasted on them.

The suffering of pain and death by the other fish touched the Enlightenment Being with sadness, and filled him with pity and compassion. He realized that he was the only one who could save them. But it would take a miracle.

The truth was that he had remained innocent. by never taking the life of anyone. He was determined to use the power of this wholesome truth to make rain fall from the sky, and release his relatives from their misery and death.

He pulled himself up from under the black mud. He was a big fish, and as black from the mud as, polished ebony. He opened his eyes, which sparkled like rubies, looked up to the sky, and called on the rain god Pajjunna. He exclaimed, “Oh my friend Pajjunna, god of rain, I am suffering for the sake of my relatives. Why do you withhold rain from me, who am perfectly wholesome, and make me suffer in sympathy with all these fish?”

“I was born among fish, for whom it is customary to eat other fish – even our own kind, like cannibals! But since I was born, I myself have never eaten any fish, even one as tiny as a rice grain. In fact, I have never taken life from anyone. The truthfulness of this my innocence gives me the right to say to you: Make the rains fall! Relieve the suffering of my relatives!”

He said this the way one gives orders to a servant.

And he continued, commanding the mighty rain god Pajjunna: “Make rain fall from the thunderclouds! Do not allow the crows their hidden treasures! Let the crows feel the sorrow of their unwholesome actions. At the same time release me from my sorrow, who have lived in perfect wholesomeness.”

After only a short pause, the sky opened up with a heavy downpour of rain, relieving many from the fear of death – fish, turtles and even humans. And when the great fish who had worked this miracle eventually died, he was reborn as he deserved.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/12/08/true-innocence-relieves-the-suffering-of-many/

Giving thanks can make you happier

steve1658Leave a comment

Giving thanks can make you happier

Each holiday season comes with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness, anxiety, or depression. Certainly, major depression or a severe anxiety disorder benefits most from professional help. But what about those who just feel lost or overwhelmed or down at this time of year? Research (and common sense) suggests that one aspect of the Thanksgiving season can actually lift the spirits, and it’s built right into the holiday — being grateful.

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways. They can apply it to the past (retrieving positive memories and being thankful for elements of childhood or past blessings), the present (not taking good fortune for granted as it comes), and the future (maintaining a hopeful and optimistic attitude). Regardless of the inherent or current level of someone’s gratitude, it’s a quality that individuals can successfully cultivate further.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/11/17/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier-2/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Buddha Light Signifies The Propagation Of Tathagata Buddha Dharma

steve1658Leave a comment

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/

Experience and Benefits Sharing- Report of Miracle

steve16581 Comment

Report of Miracle

By Kent Wilson Long

In the first week in October I noticed some kind of growth inside my left nostril. It looked like a pink skin tag that is about one eighth inch long. About two weeks later I noticed the growth had grown and was hanging out of my nostril. Not only was it unattractive, but I didn’t know what it was. Cancer runs in my family and I started worrying that it was a malignant growth. Since I didn’t have insurance I started to look for a low cost clinic to go to. I didn’t have much luck finding a clinic, or doctor that was cost effective and trust worthy.

I talked to Ningbu Rinpoche about my dilemma. In our conversation she told me about the mediation class the Sunday before, which I missed because I was working overtime. She told me about the story that Qupei Rinpoche related in class about a man chanting the six syllable heart mantra, which had a powerful effect on me. Here is a summation of the story Qupei Rinpoche told.

Reciting the sixth syllable heart mantra brings great merit. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to receive the empowerment of Quan Yin Bodhisattva. Many people chant it and gain good results from it. Today I will tell you about a story of an ordinary man. This man was working with a friend who was a Buddhist. His friend told him about the sixth syllable heart mantra and how beneficial it is to chant. He began reciting it 1000 times a day. He experienced tranquility and a great joy in his heart. Since he liked doing it so much he began to increase chanting the mantra ten thousand times a day.

One day he was invited to a diligent practice event. When he went to the retreat he increased chanting the six syllable mantra to thirty thousand times a day. Several days after the retreat began he saw Quan Yin Bodhisattva appear before him. Quan Yin Bodhisattva’s appearance was very solemn and she was imposingly large and tall. Since he saw Quan Yin Bodhisattva appear before him, he decided to increase his chanting to sixty thousand times a day.

After half a month Quan Yin appeared before him again. This time she took him to the Western Paradise where he saw his own white lotus flower that was the size of a car wheel. The white lotus flower looked very beautiful and pure. It dawned on him that reciting Amithaba Buddha’s name, or the six syllable heart mantra, will help one be reborn in the Western Paradise. Seeing the Western Paradise state strengthened his faith and he now began to recite the six syllable heart mantra seventy thousand times a day. After a period of time he had another visitation of Quan Yin Bodhisattva. She again took him to see his lotus flower. Now he can see the center of the flower. Right in the middle of it is a seat he can sit upon. After this experience he chants even more diligently.

As the retreat is about to conclude he now sees Amithaba Buddha appear before him. The Buddha was as tall as a skyscraper and emitted a bright golden light. Amithaba Buddha was very solemn as he descended from the sky and stood on his lotus flower to speak dharma. The man looked up at the sky and saw Quan Yin Bodhisattva and Mahashamaprapta Bodhisattva standing together. Their image is identical to a picture he had seen depicting them. They were both several dozen floors tall.

Amithaba Buddha began to speak to him. He told him that he would be born in the Western Paradise in the future. Now I will transmit you a high dharma. You must focus on this practice. This will guarantee your rebirth in the Western Paradise. When it is time in the future I will personally come to retrieve you. The Buddha told him to write down all his experiences to help strengthen Buddhist cultivator’s faith and encourage them to practice better. He wrote down his story and that is why we can listen to it today.

After I heard the story it motivated me to sit down to do some serious chanting that night. Before I went to bed I chanted the six syllable heart mantra over seven hundred times. I went to sleep and woke up at around 1:30 AM. I couldn’t get back to sleep so I decided to do meditation for about 45 minutes, which helped increase my energy. Then, ironically, my body was too energized to get back to sleep, so I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood. This was at around 2 AM in the morning. When I got back I decided to chant the one hundred syllable bright mantra. When I chanted this about one hundred and sixty times I felt something wet around my nose. I dabbed my nose with a tissue and found blood on it. I was able to stop the bleeding in a short time. I went into the bathroom to check on it. When I looked at the reflection of my left nostril in the mirror, I discovered that the growth had disappeared. At the place where the growth had been now had fresh healthy looking skin covering the area. I was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to report this to Master. To me this is concrete proof that the dharma is real and beneficial for our life. It has motivated me to put more energy into my practice and when I get spare time I utilize the time to chant.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/06/30/experience-and-benefits-sharing-report-of-miracle/

Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress

steve16583 Comments

Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress

Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, consider tai chi (TIE-CHEE). Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that’s now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

What is tai chi?

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles. Each style may subtly emphasize various tai chi principles and methods. There are variations within each style. Some styles may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi.

Tai chi is different from yoga, another type of meditative movement. Yoga includes various physical postures and breathing techniques, along with meditation.

Who can do tai chi?

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

You may also find tai chi appealing because it’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment. You can do tai chi anywhere, including indoors or outside. And you can do tai chi alone or in a group class.

Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

Why try tai chi?

When learned correctly and performed regularly, tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of tai chi may include:

  • Decreased stress, anxiety and depression
  • Improved mood
  • Improved aerobic capacity
  • Increased energy and stamina
  • Improved flexibility, balance and agility
  • Improved muscle strength and definition

More research is needed to determine the health benefits of tai chi. Some evidence indicates that tai chi may also help:

  • Enhance quality of sleep
  • Enhance the immune system
  • Help lower blood pressure
  • Improve joint pain
  • Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure
  • Improve overall well-being
  • Reduce risk of falls in older adults

How to get started with tai chi

Although you can rent or buy videos and books about tai chi, consider seeking guidance from a qualified tai chi instructor to gain the full benefits and learn proper techniques.

You can find tai chi classes in many communities today. To find a class near you, contact local fitness centers, health clubs and senior centers. Tai chi instructors don’t have to be licensed or attend a standard training program. It’s a good idea to ask about an instructor’s training and experience, and get recommendations if possible.

A tai chi instructor can teach you specific positions and breathing techniques. An instructor can also teach you how to practice tai chi safely, especially if you have injuries, chronic conditions, or balance or coordination problems. Although tai chi is slow and gentle, and generally doesn’t have negative side effects, it may be possible to get injured if you don’t use the proper techniques.

After learning tai chi, you may eventually feel confident enough to do tai chi on your own. But if you enjoy the social aspects of a class, consider continuing with group tai chi classes.

Maintaining the benefits of tai chi

While you may gain some benefit from a tai chi class that lasts 12 weeks or less, you may enjoy greater benefits if you continue tai chi for the long term and become more skilled.

You may find it helpful to practice tai chi in the same place and at the same time every day to develop a routine. But if your schedule is erratic, do tai chi whenever you have a few minutes. You can even practice the soothing mind-body concepts of tai chi without performing the actual movements when you are in a stressful situation, such as a traffic jam or a tense work meeting, for instance.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/05/12/tai-chi-a-gentle-way-to-fight-stress/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184