One night in August of 2008, my wife drove home and pulled over at the street outside of our house. She was on the phone with her sister in China. Because of the hot weather, she put away the mala on her wrist, placed it on the car seat, and opened the windows. The next day, after she woke up, she could not find her mala. She then recalled that she was on the phone with her sister in the car. She said to me, “I might have forgotten the mala in the car.” She hurried to the car to look for it. She went through the whole car and still could not find it. As she raised her head, she found out that the right rear window was open. She then realized that the situation had gotten serious. Somebody must have stolen the mala since she forgot to close the window.
This is a very beautiful Buddhist mala made of multi-colored stones. What makes it precious is that it has been empowered by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. We regard it as priceless. After my wife got back, she was very frustrated. She sat on the chair and stayed silent for a long time. I kind of complained to her, “Look, how can you be so careless? You should not have misplaced it.” She remained silent. I did not say more, knowing that she was already very upset. I comforted her, “There is nothing else to do since it’s already lost. I’ll get another one for you.” Upon hearing this, she burst into tears. She mumbled, “This is a mala empowered by the Buddha. Where else can you find another one like this?” I was stunned by her outburst. I tried to calm her down and said,” Don’t cry. Don’t cry. I’ll get another one for you for now. Then, we’ll have to wait for another karmic condition for the blessing.”
Ever since, my wife always had regret. She often complained, “I’ve lost such a good mala!” Two months later, one day, my wife was about to fix a button. She took out the sewing box and yelled out, “Come look! Come look! My mala!” I ran over and saw the multi-colored stone mala in her hand. Her face was lit up with joy. She wondered, “That’s strange. How can my mala end up here? It’s impossible that I’ll ever put the mala in the sewing box! That’s odd, very odd!” She mumbled as she tried to figure it out, but, I know that deep inside her heart, she was very happy.
Then, it dawned on me that this is a true manifestation of the almighty power of the Buddha Dharma. I have read many testimonials of the manifestations of Buddha Dharma and holy feats. Yet, I have never encountered one personally. I thought it had to be the sincere devotion and repentance of my wife that invoked the compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Dharma protectors had sent the priceless mala which had been empowered by the Buddha back to us. I immediately said to my wife, “Come on, let’s go and prostrate to thank the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.”
From the incident, I deeply realized that Buddha Dharma is true and not false. It is limitless. As long as we have the pure and sincere heart for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, they will definitely empower us and make our wishes come true. My faith has also deepened. I am determined to cherish the rare and auspicious karmic condition in this life time. I will follow closely with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, study hard and cultivate. I will persist on a practice in accordance with the teachings. I will fight to realize the ultimate Bodhi and attain liberation. With true realized virtue and power, I will take on the mission of the Tathagatha- the great Buddhist career of saving all beings.
I hereby swear that what I have just mentioned is true and not false. If ever I speak falsely and deceive the public, I will degenerate to the Vajra Hell. If my praises of the magnificent Buddha Dharma are true, I hope to dedicate the merits to my Buddha master and all sentient beings in the three spheres and the six realms. May the Dharma wheel of the Buddha turn forever.
May the Buddha Dharma shine universally to everyone in the world. May all sentient beings in the three spheres and six realms be given the opportunities to listen to the correct Dharma of Dorje Chang Buddha. May we all realize Bodhi together. Amitabha!
Hua Zang Si usually provides a vegetarian lunch to the attendees after the end of every Dharma assembly.
When I first tasted it, it dawned on me – How can there be such delicious vegetarian food in this world? It is tastier than any gourmet food I have ever eaten. It is comforting and stays in your heart.
The ingredients may be common vegetables, such as tofu, or mushrooms and even the rice is just simple white rice. It is not greasy and they do not always season the food with chilies for aroma. It reminds you of the most delicious dish that your Mom cooked when you were little.
I wonder if it is because I have grown tired of the same old greasy food or it is just an illusion I got from a new taste. However, this fine feeling has never changed for several years from the first time I went to Hua Zang Si until now. I also have heard similar praises from a number of other people. Eventually, I was convinced that the food provided by Hua Zang Si is good quality.
Later, I was fortunate enough to volunteer in the kitchen of Hua Zang Si – I saw how Buddhist brothers and sisters deliver fresh ingredients from a great distance on the day before the Dharma assembly. I have seen how many of Buddhist brothers, sisters, aunties, grandmas, and even some kids carefully clean and prepare potatoes, carrots, vegetables and fruits. I also noticed the hard work they do on the day of the Dharma assembly: They stir-fry the food, add water to control the heat, all under high temperature. I also noticed how they carefully store the prepared dishes in the warmers to keep the food warm. At the lunch time, I also have seen how the young volunteers attentively and efficiently spoon every side dish on the plates while wearing masks and gloves in spite of the heat. In addition, I have seen how the volunteers separate the used utensils and plates for recycle with a great deal of effort.
I have finally realized what is behind the delicious vegetarian lunch – it is self-cultivation at all times and all places.
Writing articles has never being an easy task for me. The challenge only compounded when it comes to speaking from the heart. Also, the impact the Buddha dharma has had on my life is profound. This is especially true 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. Additionally, we must be mindful of constantly improving our speech, thoughts and actions. I planted these teachings 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, who 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 calm and peaceful state of mind.
A Sudden Trial and a Precarious Situation
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 were the results not as expected, but it roused dissatisfaction and misunderstanding from my friend. He twisted my pure intention and accused me of purposeful deceit. Furthermore, he 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.
Seeking Blessings at Hua Zang Si
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.
Experiencing the Empowerment of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Then what happened next was something that I shall remember for the rest of my life. After only three to four sentences, my complex despondence suddenly lifted and my heart became unbelievably calm. It was as if an ominous grey sky suddenly transformed into a 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, and 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. A while 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.
Letting Go with Gratitude
As a consequence of this experience, now whatever is 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. This is 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 affect us. 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.
Persisting on the Path Toward Enlightenment
From this moment forward, we should faithfully follow the teachings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. We should abide by precepts without deviation, and 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. In fact, 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 as 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. We will be on our way to the brilliant path of enlightenment.
From the bottom of my heart I wish all the cultivators be persistent. Plant good karmic causes and elevate ourselves to a higher level in our pursuit of learning Buddhism. May all of us realize Bodhi. Amitabha!
