The Origin of “Bathing the Buddha"

2026-04-212026-04-21 | Western Lotus

The Origin of “Bathing the Buddha"

According to Buddhist scriptures, Prince Siddhartha, who later renounced the world and became Namo Sakyamuni Buddha, was born from the right side of his mother, Queen Maya. At the moment of His birth, lotus flowers sprang up from the earth to support his feet. He took seven steps on his own, looked in all directions, pointed one hand to the sky and the other to the earth, and declared, “From the heavens above and the earth below, I alone am the world-honored one.”

Right after that, nine dragons in the sky spewed fragrant water down to bathe the Buddha prince. Because of these auspicious signs, Buddhists later began the tradition of celebrating the Buddha’s birthday (the 8th day of the 4th lunar month) with the Bathing the Buddha ceremony, to honor His birth, enlightenment, and the compassion of His teachings.

The Verse of Praise for Bathing the Buddha

“Now, with a pure heart, I bathe the Buddha’s body.
May the Buddha bless me with growing fortune and wisdom.
May all beings and I be free from obstacles,
And together realize accomplishment and gain rebirth in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”

《浴佛讚》

「我今淨心浴佛身，祈佛賜我福慧增，我與眾生離障礙，同證成就極樂國」

In 2026, the 8th day of the 4th lunar month falls on May 24. Hua Zang Si will hold the Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly on Sunday, May 24th at 9:30 am. Come join the sangha and chant The Verse of Praise for Bathing the Buddha. It is also a wonderful hands-on family event, especially for children, to come forward to the lotus tub to bathe the Buddha prince at the Dharma assembly. It will be a fun and meaningful tradition for all.

The Origin of “Bathing the Buddha"

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2026/04/21/the-origin-of-bathing-the-buddha/

#HuaZangSi #SaykaymuniBuddha #BathingtheBuddha #BuddhaPrince #OriginofBathingtheBuddha

National Volunteer Week

2026-04-142026-04-14 | Western Lotus

National Volunteer Week

Do you know that each year, there is a moment set aside to honor quiet kindness?

National Volunteer Week in 2026 falls on April 19–25.

A small offering of time…
A simple act of care…
Like a drop in still water, it ripples farther than we can see.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III teaches that compassion is not only something we contemplate. It is something we live. In fact our practice continues in our actions, in how we show up for others.

When we extend a hand, offer our time or talents, or simply listen, we bring the teachings into the world.

There is even a flower that reflects this spirit—Clematis ‘Samaritan Jo’, named for those who help others in times of distress. It’s easy to grow, and with a little care and good deadheading, it can bloom for up to six months—a gentle reminder that compassion, too, can be continuous.

Your time.
Your presence.
Your kindness.

These are seeds.

When planted, they not only bring joy to others, they quietly deepen your own sense of purpose in life.

National Volunteer Week

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2026/04/14/national-volunteer-week/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #CorrectDharma #BuddhaDharma #Volunteering #Compassion

(Hindrance in Life)

2025-06-242025-06-24 | Western Lotus

(Hindrance in Life)

Off Shock It

We seem to have seen

then no other way around

it, the obstacle that is

always blocking the path

we don’t see in our

hypnotized state of

unfreedom

When one day we finally

awaken to reality and see

the big bad monster

right in front of us

trying to push us down

against our will

we shake it off

easier when knowing it

well enough, then fear

evaporates like alcohol in hot

sunlight through lost horizon

begging hours seemingly spent

in the state of dazed unknowing

call it the sleep we escaped

too when daytime has

worn us down enough, still

we think it is normal

to sleep, to be, to breathe

this human stage is quite

strange in its organicness.

A poem written by Magic Solias

Find more from Magic Solias Poetry Book Collections at Seekersbridge.com

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

2025-04-012025-04-01 | Western Lotus

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

California is home to numerous Buddhist temples, each offering a distinct school of teaching to inspire and guide practitioners. Among them, Hua Zang Si, a unique Buddhist temple in San Francisco, particularly captured my attention as I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hua Zang Si is dedicated to the authentic teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and provides pre-recorded oral teaching expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for visitors to listen to. However, other than Sakyamuni Buddha—historically known as Prince Siddhartha—who is this Buddha, H. H. Dorje Chang Buddha III?

Dorje Chang Buddha is, in fact, a primordial Buddha and the embodiment of the absolute truth of the universe, which itself has no form. As stated on page 17 of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma:

“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.”

This extensive text of book provides a detailed account of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, documenting the profound realization and supreme achievements of the true Buddha-dharma as demonstrated by the highest Buddha in the world.

Numerous awe-inspiring accounts of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, a revered Buddhist master—indeed, the highest Buddhist master—can be found in various publications and online sources. A documented example is the Buddha’s ability to predict the arrival of a flock of birds and accurately describe their actions upon arrival—an extraordinary and precise demonstration of insight.

This remarkable event, known as The Holy Feat, occurred in Mexico in 2014 and was witnessed firsthand by numerous Buddhist disciples, all of whom provided sworn testimonies under their own names, attesting to the authenticity of what they observed.

Attending a single temple, such as Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, which propagates complete Buddhism of all Buddhas will enable you to learn diverse practices, such as Zen meditation, the chanting of Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ names, and Tibetan Dharma practices—these latter being transmitted only in accordance with an individual’s specific karmic affinity with the yidam and their karmic conditions at the time. Additionally, sutra chanting – a focus on Mahayana Buddhism and other Buddhist practices are available, ensuring a holistic approach to your spiritual cultivation.

How can I learn Buddhism directly from the Buddha? The monastics at Hua Zang Si recommend attending the temple or visiting Dharma-Listening Session centers worldwide to respectfully listen to the prerecorded Dharma teachings.

The temple offers additional religious services, including chanting and blessing services, group study meetings, support groups, Fish Release (field trips to release and save lives), and Buddhist storytime. The temple also hosts larger Dharma assemblies as part of its annual schedule. The Buddhist practice can be a lot of fun!

As a Buddhist disciple following the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have found solace in the voice and wisdom of the Buddha. Through these teachings, I have learned to seek answers, clarity, wisdom, and strength to navigate both the joys and challenges of life.

I hope you, too, will find confidence in searching for a true, holy, and virtuous Buddhist master—one whom you can rely on not only in this lifetime but all the way until you attain enlightenment and become a Buddha yourself. This attainment is guaranteed by all Buddhas as long as we diligently cultivate ourselves with sincerity and perseverance.

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/01/in-search-of-a-great-buddhist-master-to-learn-from-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddha #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #PrinceSiddharta #DharmaofDorjeChangBuddhaIII #HolyFeat #FishRelease #TheTreasureBook #HuaZangSi

The Power of Sound Healing

2023-01-072023-01-10 | Western Lotus

The Power of Sound Healing

Best-ever Ultraviolet Portrait of Andromeda Galaxy by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC-BY 2.0

Music plays an important role on human beings. Often on the internet, many influencers are musicians. Best of all, music brings benefits to our mental health and well-being.

In the same spirit, if we listen to a song sung by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, will we receive special blessings?

Ruohui Ruzun – the Abbess of Hua Zang Si, told us in a recent youtube talk that as long as it is sung by His Holiness, there will always be the power of healing and blessings.

How are the songs sung by the Buddha like?

Ruohui Ruzun further advised us how we could admire the Buddha’s songs:

Lyrics: Other than the Heart Sutra and the Six-Syllables Bright Mantra, the Buddha composed all the collections of songs. The lyrics have deep meanings and have offered inspiration in work and life. They are easy to understand. The philosophical sayings, especially, have become quotes of wisdom for many.

Voice: The Buddha can sing low or high voices and in many more different ways. The voice of the Buddha is empowering and can create a cleansing and purifying effect. Playing the Heart Sutra sung by the Buddha at home can eliminate negative energy or phenomena and promote harmony in the ambient environment. Many disciples do that at home and felt the same amazing true result.

Sincerity: Everyone will receive blessings whether he/she listens to the songs in a relaxed setting or with the utmost sincerity. Of course, if one listens to them with deeper devotion, one will definitely receive greater corresponding blessings.

Are you ready to listen to the Heart Sutra sung by the Buddha? Click here. It is six minutes long. To me, it is powerful, yet calming. How is it for you?

The Power of Sound Healing

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2023/01/07/the-power-of-sound-healing/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #CorrectDharma #BuddhaDharma #HuaZangSi #RuohuiRuZun #RuohuiFaShi #HeartSutra #SoundHealing

May all be auspicious for us. Happy Holidys to you all!

2022-12-212022-12-21 | Western Lotus

May all be auspicious for us. Happy Holidays to you all!

If recited when you wake in the morning, you will enjoy the total days fulfilment.

If recited before bed, you will enjoy pleasant dreams.

If recited before activity, all works can be successfully accomplished.

If recited before a contest, you will be victorious.

If recited regularly, you will enjoy long life, glorious health, fame, auspiciousness, prosperity, happiness and removal of negative karma and obscurations. And higher birth is certain. Stated by Buddha.

Tashi Prayer (The Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones)

by Jamgon Mipham

May all be auspicious for us.

Prostrations to all the Buddhas,
Dharma, and Noble Sangha who
dwell in the Auspicious Realms of
the ten directions where all appearance
is completely pure; its nature spontaneously
perfect.

Prostrations to the Eight Sugatas.
Auspiciousness and success increase
merely hearing your names: Tararaja,
Sthira-kaushala-madhashaya,
Shri-maitreya-lankara, Shri-varashubha-kirti,
Sarva-shayodara-kirtiman, Shri-sumeru-vadaya-kaushala-kirti,
Shri-arya-sattva-shaya-kirti, Shri-mantusha-karakaushala-sukirti.

Prostrations to the Eight Bodhisattvas
characterized gracefully holding each of the emblems:
utpala flower, vajra, white lotus, naga-tree, jewel,
moon, sword, and sun, supreme in granting
auspiciousness and success, the youthful Manjusri,
the glorious Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara, the protector
Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Nivaranaviskambin,
Akashagarbha, and noble Samantabhadra.

Prostrations to the Eight Auspicious Goddesses,
the holders of the Eight Precious Symbols,
pleasing with offerings [of beauty, garlands, song, dance, flowers, incense, light, and perfume] to the Buddhas
of all directions and time.

Thinking of their essential qualities makes success and fame grow:
the Precious Umbrella, Auspicious Golden Fish,
Wish-granting Vase, Exquisite Lotus, Conch of Fame,
Knot of Prosperity, Victory Banner, and Majestic Wheel.

Prostrations to the Eight Guardians of the World.
Each holds the divine emblems: wheel, trident,
dart, vajra, vina, sword, stupa,
and banner of victory.
Auspiciously develop
virtue and happiness in the three realms,
Mahabrahma, Shambhu, Narayana,
Sahasrajna, the Kings Dhritirashtra,
Virudhaka, Virupaksha the Lord of Nagas,
and Vaishravana.With the work we have begun now, pacify all obstacles
and harmful influences. May the fulfillment of wishes,
increase of glory, good fortune, prosperity and happiness
be met.

May all be auspicious for us.

May all be auspicious for us. Happy Holidays to you all!

NOTE: The Tashi Prayer is a short text written by Jamyang Mipham (1846-1912), a major figure in 19th Century Tibetan Buddhism. The prayer is a condensation of the much longer Sutra of the Words of Auspiciousness, which was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. The purpose of the prayer is to pay homage to and supplicate four kinds of awakened beings (buddhas, male bodhisattvas, female bodhisattvas, and protectors) so as to receive their blessings for both spiritual and worldly success.

Link of the prayer: http://buddhism.org/Sutras/DHARMA/DISCOURSES/N-MiphamTashi.htm

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2022/12/21/may-all-be-auspicious-for-us-happy-holidys-to-you-all/

#TashiPrayers #TheVersesofPrayerstotheEightNobleAuspicousOnes #Auspicious #SakyamuniBuddha

Tomorrow will be better

2022-12-052022-12-06 | Western Lotus

Tomorrow will be better

I was in limbo for a while at the beginning of the year.

I felt lost and didn’t know what the future held for me.

I will never forget the year 2022.

But the truth is:

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has brought Correct Dharma to our world.

We have received Dharma transmissions from a Buddha.

Everyone who practices in accordance with The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation and Imparting the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra will surely attain liberation as stated in announcement 62 from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Office.

We have found the treasure and it is in our hands.

The Buddha has done it all for us.

We have got everything we need.

What is next?

Tomorrow will be better.

It is up to you what you will do with the rest of your life.

Tomorrow will be better

Link of the article:https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2022/12/05/tomorrow-will-be-better/

Link of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMe_YAeFqpc

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #CorrectDharma #BuddhaDharma #OfficeofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII

The attraction of good luck

2022-11-212022-11-21 | Western Lotus

The attraction of good luck

“Mangala” means something auspicious, a blessing, happiness, a good or lucky sign, or an omen.

In the Mangala Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha told us what to do so we can live an auspicious/happy life.

I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was living in the vicinity of Savatthi at the Anathapindika Monastery in the Jeta Grove. Late at night, a deva appeared whose light and beauty made the whole Jeta Grove shine radiantly. After paying respects to the Buddha, the deva asked him a question in the form of a verse:

“Many gods and men are eager to know

what are the greatest blessings

which bring about a peaceful and happy life.

Please, Tathagata, will you teach us?”

(This is the Buddha’s answer):

“Not to be associated with the foolish ones,

to live in the company of wise people,

honoring those who are worth honoring —