標籤: DorjeChangBuddha

發表於 Experience and Benefits Sharing

Empowerment Of The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas -A Personal Experience

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

Empowerment Of The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas

 

Empowerment Of The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas

─ A Personal Experience

 

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!

 

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

 

Link: http://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/empowerment-buddhas-bodhisattvas-personal-experience/

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發表於 H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE INCARNATION OF DORJE CHANG BUDDHA

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE INCARNATION OF

 

BRIEF DISCRIPTION 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 notrecognized 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.

 

 

United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters

International Buddhism Sangha Association

 

Link: http://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/brief-discription-incarnation-dorje-chang-buddha/

 

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發表於 Experience and Benefits Sharing

The Story of My Rebirth

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

The Story of My Rebirth

 

The Story of My Rebirth

I wholeheartedly prostrate to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

　　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 ofH.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!

Buddhist Disciple Shengmei

 

Source from: http://holydharma.pixnet.net/blog/post/320956042

 

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發表於 H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Recognizing and Paying Tribute to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

Recognizing and Paying Tribute to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

 

Recognizing and Paying Tribute to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

(The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, Friday, January 21, 2011)

 

Recognizing and Paying Tribute to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III-1

 

The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice understands the vital role played by revered spiritual leaders in advancing the cause of peace and benevolence in every part of the world. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is such a revered leader. His Holiness is an individual of extraordinary talents and accomplishments who is honored worldwide both for his spiritual leadership, as well as for his remarkable artistic and humanitarian achievements. He is a teacher for peace, equality, and spiritual liberation.

 

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is recognized by leaders of many different divisions of Buddhism in the world as the third incarnation of the primordial Buddha, Dorje Chang Buddha, also known as Buddha Vajradhara, and has established beautiful temples of worship in California, Washington D.C., New York, and abroad that guide people toward goodness.

 

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has made his home in California for over 10 years and has tremendous respect for the American society as he once paid eloquent tribute to this country by saying, “The American people are kind and noble. People can freely believe in the United States, a country that is spiritually wealthy, powerful, and blessed.” He has spared no effort in contributing to the United States. His talents and accomplishments have become spiritual and cultural assets of the United States.

 

Through his teachings and his art, His Holiness has worked tirelessly to spread the universal principles of morality and civilization, which include compassion towards others, selflessness, and continual striving for enlightenment and liberation.

 

We endorse the spiritual and humanitarian objectives of His Holiness and his continual effort to promote peace, benevolence, the dignity of mankind, and the prosperity and strength of the United States.

 

The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice

Friday, January 21, 2011

 

 

“I see a day when the noble banner of human rights and justice will proudly wave over every corner of the world.” -Tom Lantos

 

 

Link: http://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/recognizing-and-paying-tribute-to-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

 

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #Buddha #Buddhist #WorldPeacePrize #peace #TomLantos #Spiritual #Buddhism #Vajradhara #enlightenment #liberation

 

 

發表於 Verses of Praise

It is Fortunate to Encounter the Correct Dharma

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

It is Fortunate to Encounter the Correct Dharma.jpg

 

It is Fortunate to Encounter the Correct Dharma

 

Cyclic lives and reincarnations

No end to love and hate

Fortunate for the correct Dharma of Dorje Chang Buddha

Cycles of birth and death are thus cut off

By disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III,

Hua Zong

 

Link:  https://greatprajna.org/2017/07/18/it-is-fortunate-to-encounter-the-correct-dharma/

#DorjeChangBuddha #GuanYinBodhisattva #Buddha #Bodhisattva #Dharma

發表於 News

Buddha arrives in the Mission (Hua Zang Si- temple that propagates Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III)

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

Buddha arrives in the Mission (Hua Zang Si- temple that propagates Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III)

 

SAN FRANCISCO / Buddha arrives in the Mission / German Lutheran church now serves growing Asian community

(December 31, 2004, San Francisco Chronicle)

 

Buddha arrives in the Mission (Hua Zang Si- temple that propagates Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III)-1.jpg

Buddha-arrives-in-the-Mission_German-Lutheran-church-now-serves-growing-Asian-community-2.jpg

 

Inside an old German Lutheran church in San Francisco, Chinese nuns sit on the glossy wooden floors, wearing headphones, listening to Buddhist mantras on portable CD players.

 

Gone are the pews and the church piano, but the organ pipes and stained glass windows remain — a backdrop to giant Buddha statues at the Hua Zang Si temple, which opened its doors this week in the Mission District.

 

The Buddhist temple reflects the changing demographics of this working- class Latino neighborhood, and of the Bay Area.

 

“As the Asian immigrant population becomes more diverse and complex and comes into money, they want to do things that acknowledge and empower their heritage,” said John Nelson, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of San Francisco. “Temples are community centers, where people go to affirm their identity.”

On Dec. 26, Hua Zang Si began three days of ceremony to celebrate its opening and the birthday of Amitabha Buddha, one of the many Buddhas, who is believed to reside in the land of ultimate bliss. This Sunday, the temple will hold a ceremony starting at 10 a.m. to bless those who died as a result of the quake-caused tsunami in southern Asia.

 

Built in the 1900s, the structure originally housed St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Many in the immigrant German congregation likely worked at the nearby tanneries and breweries along Precita Creek, historians say. Located on 22nd Street, the church was just out of reach of the fire that razed much of the city following the 1906 earthquake.

After World War II, German, Italian and Irish families began moving from the Mission to the west side of San Francisco and out of the city.

 

In 1992, the congregation voted to serve the neighborhood’s growing Latino population, moving to a new church around the corner and renaming itself St. Mary and St. Martha Lutheran.

 

The old church became a private residence and was to be divided into condominiums, until the United International World Buddhism Association purchased it and the adjoining parish residence for $2.5 million in 2002, according to public records.

 

And so the temple was born, with a new set of red doors with traditional Chinese lion-headed knockers, Chinese signs and a Buddha in the lobby.

 

About two dozen nuns live at the temple compound. Each day, they rise around 5 a.m., and do not go to bed until midnight — meditating, praying and studying Buddhist teachings. The nuns watch television to get a better sense of what Americans are like, they say.

 

The nuns, in yellow and grey robes, venture out in the bustling neighborhood to buy groceries and supplies. The temple is down the street from Castillo Express, Elon’s Beauty Salon and Panchita’s, which serves South American food.

 

“We’re like other people. We have to eat, too,” Cheng Hsueh Shih said in Mandarin. The rosy-cheeked nun with a shaved head had hip rimless glasses and wooden prayer beads on her wrist. A vegetarian, she has tried the Mission’s famous burritos, but says she prefers Chinese food.

 

On a recent weekday, passers-by stopped and pointed at the temple, marveling at the Maitreya bodhisattva, or godlike being, visible behind the lobby’s glass doors. Chubby and smiling, he is a future Buddha, and is believed to currently reside in heaven.

 

“It’s great that it’s still being used for spiritual worship,” said Max Kirkeberg, a professor of geography at San Francisco State University who has chronicled changes to the city’s landscape for decades.

 

The temple bases its teachings on those of Sakyamuni Buddha, who lived about 2,500 years ago in what is now Nepal. It has not adopted the viewpoint of any particular sect and wants to attract a broad range of followers. Smaller branches of the temple are in San Jose and Sanger (Fresno County). Hua Zang Si joins more than a dozen Buddhist institutions in San Francisco, including the Sokoji-Soto Zen temple in Japantown and the Rigpa Center in the South of Market.

 

On the first floor of the temple, in the Precious Hall of the Great Heroes, a statute of Sakyamuni Buddha dominates. Skanda bodhisattva, a general clad in armor with a sword, stands to his right, protecting the temple from evil.

 

The temple’s giant Buddhas were constructed in Taiwan, divided into pieces and reassembled inside by artisans.

 

Before the Buddhas sit offerings of coffee, grapefruit, apples, boxes of raisins, cans of Coca-Cola, incense and artwork.

 

Dong Ai-Yuan, a disciple visiting from Fresno, said she became a Buddhist about 15 years ago. The religion helps bring her peace and good luck, and keeps her family safe, she said, adding that she has no fear of the future because she knows what her fate holds.

 

On the second floor, a 21-foot-tall Amitabha Buddha, draped in a red robe, fills one end of the room.

 

Before him, a thousand cups of water, changed daily, serve as an offering to Buddha. Nearby is a ceremonial wooden drum shaped like a fish. To learn as much as they can, the devoted must never rest and never close their eyes — like a fish.

 

The backyard — a city oasis in the shadow of surrounding Victorians —

is home to a magnolia tree, which the faithful say rained nectar for three days, along with a miraculous lotus tub used in the bathing of the Buddha dharma, or teachings.

 

In front, the building’s cornerstone carries an inscription in German referring to a New Testament text about the house of God, built upon the foundation of apostles, prophets and Jesus Christ.

 

Now, beside the cornerstone, in gold Chinese characters on black background, a sign reads: This temple will teach you how to become a better person.

Temple facts:

Hua Zang Si is located at 3134 22nd St. in San Francisco. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and is open to the public. For more information, call (415) 920-9836.

 

Link: http://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/homage-to-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-buddha-arrives-in-the-mission/

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #HuaZangSi #Buddha #Buddhism #buddhist #Temple

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An Unforgettable Experience: Learning Buddhism and Job Hunting

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

An Unforgettable Experience- Learning Buddhism and Job Hunting

 

An Unforgettable Experience:

Learning Buddhism and Job Hunting

 

 

Back in the Fall of 2013, when I bid farewell to my cancer research job, where I was employed at a college for ten years, I felt very confused – I did not know where to go. I moved a couple of times looking for work. One by one the job interviews failed. In the beginning, I was severely depressed. Later on I felt numb about my situation. I doubted myself thinking I had become a useless person. In October of 2014, my family and I finally settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Because of my wife’s endorsement, I was fortunate enough to learn about Hua Zang Si. After a refuge ritual was conducted for me, and I became a Buddhist. In a temple teaching the correct dharma, propagating correct understanding and right views, I felt the compassion and magnificence of the Buddha, and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. My anxious mind has finally found comfort and inner peace.

Ever since I took refuge, I was totally immersed in reading Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The essential comments, skillful guidance, inspiring Buddhist stories, and countless koans contained in the sutra, completely convinced me to deeply believe that this is truly the absolute truth which can guide living beings to liberation from the cyclic reincarnations during the current period of time. Every dharma assembly is an experience of spiritual cleansing for me. My heart is filled with dharma joy. Shortly before Buddha Master transmitted the dharma, in the sky a lotus throne of seven colors appeared. Over a thousand people witnessed it. This again moved and motivated me to make a vow to devote myself to learning from the Buddha and beseeching blessings from my Buddha Master to help find me a job opportunity to strengthen my faith and perseverance which I needed for my practice.

During one afternoon not long after I made such a vow, I suddenly got a phone call from a job center. The job center asked if I was looking for a work and if I would like to take a temporary job. They told me that the temporary job could turn into a permanent one. The next day I passed the phone interview easily. Two hours later, the job center informed me to start the job in three days. What surprised me was that this was a job I had been wishing for and one that I had never applied for before. After I started the work, I quickly found some problems which interfered with how the lab results were processed. Then I came up with a plan to improve the process. My job went very well and efficiently. However, “the demon of attachments to Self" started to rise in me and hindered my mind. It thought: “I deserve this job. I got this job because of my professional skills, knowledge, and experience.  With or without the empowerment of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, I will still have got it”. My earlier gratitude now had completely disappeared into thin air. I was also not that excited about the group cultivation sessions any more. I often used work as an excuse to get out of group cultivation. Even though I knew it was a short-term job, I was self-assured that the company would offer me a long-term contract. This was because the numbers I had provided to the company were very crucial, which had significantly helped the three phases of the clinical trials of the company to get approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Soon I experienced the existence of impermanence. The afternoon after I had finally turned in the last sets of numbers to my manager, on behalf of the company, he told me that my job had come to an end that very day. I pondered if I had done a good job, or not. I thought and thought, and could not come to an answer. The answer was obviously negative. One month later, the three-phase clinical trials were approved.

“Study is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back." When the biased attachments or evil views blind one’s eyes, it is as if one walks on a metal string, where at any time one may trip and fall into the abyss of hell. “The demon of attachments to Self" again made me lose my job, yet it serves as an opportunity for me to look within myself and repent genuinely to my Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. I vow to strengthen my belief, truly cultivate according to the dharma and never ever change my mind. I again picked up my reading on Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra written by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and The Six Commentaries written by Amang Nopu Pamu, and listening to the dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Again my correct understanding and views became strengthened and “the demon of the attachments to Self" was subdued. I am aware of my weakness which is speaking and understanding English. For a couple of times, I lost great job opportunities because I misunderstood the questions and gave wrong answers. I start to listen repeatedly to Voice of America and study New Concepts. I jot down English words to increase my vocabulary. The words I often mispronounce I listen to the correct pronunciation to learn how to speak them properly. I may not know which day I will again get a job. However, I am not anxious or worried anymore.  I believe in the Law of Cause and Effect. Listening to the dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III becomes my priority and is my first task to do every day.

One day I received an email. A new start-up biotechnology company wanted to offer me a job interview opportunity over the phone. The phone interview went well.  After that, I requested the sangha of Hua Zang Si to beseech blessings and dedicate merits to me. On the day of the interview, I felt very calm. Based on the questions they asked, I gave clear and appropriate answers. Three days later, I still have not received any responses. I did not know what to do next. I then recited silently the dharma name of Buddha Master seven times. A thought suddenly flashed through my head-at the interview, they mentioned about the issues I had in my previous cases. If I could quickly find out the reasons and solutions, I might stand out among all the candidates. Things seemed to happen in a way that was prearranged. In a short time I found all information related to the issues and sent it to the manager that interviewed me through an email. A week later, I got a new contract which turned out to be a full time job. This time, even more, I deeply feel that the great love of Dorje Chang Buddha Master, and the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is everywhere. It also has given me a clearer understanding: when one learns from the Buddha, one should not think about fame and profit. Only when one remains genuine, sincere, and loyal to the Buddhas can the empowerment of the Buddhas protect us. Amitabha!

 

 

Hua Cheng

Link: https://greatprajna.org/2017/07/15/an-unforgettable-experience-learning-buddhism-and-job-hunting/

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #Buddha #Buddhist  #Dharma #Buddhism #

 

發表於 Experience and Benefits Sharing

I Am Grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Hua Zang Si!

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

I Am Grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Hua Zang Si!

 

I Am Grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Hua Zang Si!

 

I got into contact with Hua Zang Si five years ago due to a very accidental karmic condition. Therefore, I feel very fortunate that I can have the opportunity to listen to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

 

Last year, due to being taken over, the company I worked for previously had a reorganization. The department I was working at was divided up as a result of the reorganization. Unfortunately, I lost my job that I had worked for 11 years. After becoming unemployed, I was depressed every day. One of the reasons was that my children are still young (in elementary school and middle school). Facing the financial pressure and a sense of loss that I could not explain myself, I just could not feel at ease. I also brought my emotional issues into my family, causing uneasiness to my wife and children. Therefore, the life in my family was no longer as harmonic and happy as before.

 

During this period of unemployment, I thought about the book Learning from Buddha that I had respectfully received. Within only a few days, I very quickly read it several times from the beginning to the end. I got the understanding that I should rather face and think about the next step with a positive attitude than having my heart filled up with dissatisfaction and bitter complaint. My previous job required me to travel to other countries often. As a result, I was always unable to listen to the dharma often. While staying home and looking for jobs now, I went often to the Hengfu Dharma-Listening Center to listen to the recorded dharma discourses. I am grateful to the discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and to the support from Buddhist sister. I cherished and upheld a mentality of learning from the Buddha and listening to the dharma as much as I can and made a good effort to go there and listen to the dharma every day whenever possible. So I listened to the dharma discourse of Learning from Buddha repeatedly, causing me to deeply understand the causes and effects in this world and think differently in my mind. At the same time, I had the time and opportunities to actively participate in Buddhist affairs and events of releasing living beings from captivity.

 

After being unemployed for three months, a very uncommon karmic condition caused me to apply for a job at a small company. The position and the nature of the work was quite different from my previous professional experience, but I was actually hired. I was very grateful to the recorded dharma discourses for leading me to think positively and the positive energy I have every day.

 

After starting the job, although I acted diligently and carefully and tried hard to learn, the experience and the background in electrical engineering required by the job were still very difficult for me. Three months later, perhaps due to the project being canceled by the client and also because of my inability to do the work successfully, I became unemployed again (that happened at the end of May)! Thinking back about that now, although I lost that job, the experience of these three months enabled me to learn some new things and experience. In another aspect, that was also very helpful to our family financial situation and health insurance.

 

I am very grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for the revelation and transformation I got from listening to the dharma. Because of that, I was able to face the incident of losing my job for the second time with an open mind and a positive attitude. During this period, I also saw some of my former colleagues passing away in their mid-age or after only a short period of illness, leaving their wives and young children behind. I witnessed or experienced in person the subjects of “Impermanence” and “The Karmic Retributions will follow like a Shadow.” mentioned in the recorded dharma discourses. Such experiences caused me to have many different feelings toward human life than before: The most important thing in learning from the Buddha is to truly apply cultivation in our daily life.

 

I am grateful that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has changed my mental intelligence. Now I try to look at everything or any matter with a very positive attitude and to think and understand more other people’s situations and thoughts. I believe that this form of energy that has been leading me to persistently learn from the Buddha and cultivate myself will definitely and absolutely help me in my life and how I interact with others and matters in the future.

 

I prostrate to express my gratitude to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III!

 

Hua Yin

June 15, 2017

 

Link: http://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/i-am-grateful-to-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-and-hua-zang-si/

 

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #Buddha #Buddhist #Art #peace #Dharma #Buddhism #HuaZangSi #Temple #Cultivation

發表於 Experience and Benefits Sharing

A Holy Feat After 15 Minutes

發表於 由greatprajna撰寫

A Holy Feat After 15 Minutes

 

A Holy Feat After 15 Minutes

 

“I have mentioned this question to you already. Have you figured it out yet?  Intubation? Yes? He is going through extreme pain.  Just let him go. Once the tube is inserted, most likely we won’t be able to take it off.  Leave alone that now five minutes have already passed since his last breath. Even if we intubate him now and save his life back, he might suffer from serious brain damage. So, just let him go so he will not suffer any longer." The words of the doctor still lingered in my ears.

 

To be rational, I know that I should just take the doctor’s advice, but emotionally I cannot cut off my love for my husband.  All these happened too quickly.  Even though the shadow of the terminal stage of bile duct cancer has cast over us since seven months ago and therefore declared the impermanence of the human life.  He has survived the potential deadly septicemia, which was triggered by abnormally low blood pressure.  How can he now die from a suffocation caused by nose bleeding? I cannot accept the fact and I will not know how to face and tell my in-laws.  As I fought for my views with the doctors, 15 minutes after my husband stopped breathing, I pushed the medical team to go for the intubation and then miraculously my husband’s heart was beating again and was next rushed from oncology ward to intensive care unit for further observation.

 

Yes, his heart has started beating, but how meaningful is it with the whites of his eyes turned up and wax-yellowish color on his face?  This kind of struggle seems meaningless and is as his last way to be with those alive.  “Just wait for the in-laws who live in the south.  Just wait for the families and friends to come and say goodbye and see him for the last time," said the doctor nicely to me.  He kept reminded me that the so-called miracle is a fact that does not exist.  He advised me to turn off the life support machine after everyone has come to see him the last time.  “Be considerate to your husband.  Do not torture his body and soul anymore.  Let him go. Let everything go freely.  Send your blessings to him.  This is the most important and best thing you can do for your husband."  The doctor’s words may be right, but my wish to talk to my husband is so strong.  I know that his passing will free him from the suffering and pains from the metastasis of the cancer to the bones.  But, he is still so young. His parents who are still alive still have great expectations of him.  How can I agree to pull out the tube? I cannot accept the fact that my husband is soon to leave us.  I can only hang on firmly to my belief.  My body was wailing on a verge of collapse, but I kept in my mind strongly the image of the most respected and holy Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  Master, whom I rely on, please empower my husband with your Buddha power.  Let him come back awake to me. If he cannot be conscious and come back to me due to the karma as a result of the Law of the Cause and Effect, please take him and help him to gain rebirth in the Western Paradise of the Ultimate Bliss of Amitabha Buddha.  Liberate him from the sufferings in the cycles of reincarnations. This is my most sincere begging and beseeching.

 

Ignoring all others’ advice, I went to the altar room and listened to the Dharma expounded by Pamu on my knees and in my merits transference, I sincerely prayed and begged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  That night, I vaguely seemed to hear the questions from Pamu:  Should he come back? Or not?  She asked them a couple of times.  All right, then he should.  Pamu’s firm but gentle words appeared in the morning in my confused sleep state.  Maybe that was just a dream at night due to my thoughts at day time.  I did not pay much attention to it and went back to the altar room to listen respectfully to the Dharma again.  I beseeched spiritual calmness and waited for the time when I am able to visit my husband in the ICU.

 

He has been in the coma for 48 hours.  In addition to that, he has gone through 15 minutes of emergency rescue.  Even if a miracle does happen, his consciousness will definitely not be clear.  You must be ready for it.  If unfortunately, the tube will be pulled out, you need to be physically fit to take care of the funeral.  Eat something. Do not grieve too much.  Your two daughters still need your care.  They are still young.  You must take good care of yourself.  My friends’ concerns make sense.  The main supporter of the household may be gone now, but I cannot be the same.  My two understanding daughters have been supporting me and hugging me from the moment they learned that their Father has been intubated.  They have been staying next to me without shedding any tears.  They are really the most precious gifts sent to me by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.  Looking at how strong they have been, I felt so ashamed at my weakness and wailing.  I wiped off my tears and told myself not to cry anymore.  I told my daughters not to worry anymore.  They should feel free to express their pains from losing their family member.

 

“Dad, I’m here." as my older daughter called out to her father, my husband opened his eyes.  He looked at her with a look that we are so familiar with.  Is he conscious? I hesitated.  My husband who has been in a coma for 48 hours miraculously opened his eyes, I was thrilled and asked, “Do… you remember us? Do you understand our words?"   My husband closed and opened his eyes to express himself.  My god!  He remembers us.  His consciousness is clear.

 

“He has been conscious since the morning.  His mind is clear and he is able to raise his hand, shake or nod his head to express himself."  After the nurse saw our excitement, she described to us the miraculous moment of his waking.

 

I thank all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the ten directions.  I thank Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  I also thank Awang Norbu Pamu.  So, the dream state in the morning was true and not false.  The merits accrued from listening to Buddha Dharma is true and not false and miraculous.  I am grateful.  I thank all my family and friends and their blessings.  After going through 15 minutes of stopped breathing, my husband miraculously woke up and his consciousness was clear.  Even though now he still has to go through therapies to practice breathing on his own, and he is still not free from all pains, I now am able to see my husband at a set time and cheer him up.  My heart is full of gratitude.

 

To be able to experience such miraculous happiness, I firmly believe that it is a result of the empowerment from the Buddha power of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and merits from listening to the Dharma.  So grateful!

 

Buddhist Disciple Ling with gratitude with my palms together

 

Link: https://greatprajna.org/2017/07/08/a-holy-feat-after-15-minutes/

 

#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #DorjeChangBuddha #Buddha #Bodhisattva #Dharma #Buddhism