In a Dharma Assembly held at Marina Del Ray, California, Buddhists from across the world gathered to observe H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day, commemorating the profound teachings and selfless contributions of His Holiness the Buddha.
Origins of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha Day
The origins of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day can be traced back to January 19, 2011, when the then Mayor of Washington D.C., Mr. Vincent Gray, proclaimed the day in honor of the spiritual leader. This special recognition marks the only time a government has officially proclaimed a Buddha’s Day.
Buddhists worldwide jointly conducted a series of activities before and after the week of January 19th, 2024, such as releasing captive lives and engaging in charitable activities. The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Culture and Art Museum and the World Buddhism Association Headquarters commemorated this occasion with events in Marina Del Ray, California, and World’s Fair Marina, Flushing, New York that emphasize the teachings of compassion and love. The Macang Monastery organized a food drive event on January 14th and a reverent beseeching blessing Dharma Assembly on January 22nd. In Las Vegas, the Benevolence Temple held a consecration ceremony of the main Buddha Hall on January 19th, in honor of His Holiness the Buddha, pledging to uphold the mission of disseminating Buddhist teachings, spreading the dharma, and pervasively benefiting people.
Publication of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
On April 3, 2008, the book entitled “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III” was published jointly by the World Buddhism Publishing LLC and the World Dharma Voice, Inc. This book, now part of the Library of Congress in the United States, shares that Great Dharma King Yangwo Yeshe Norbu, the former respected name of H.H. Dorje Buddha III, was officially recognized as the third incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha. Over 100 leaders and Dharma Kings from major Buddhist sects collectively affirmed this recognition, in accordance with Buddhist tradition. On December 12, 2012, the United States Congress further confirmed this recognition through Senate Resolution No. 614, officially addressing Dorje Chang Buddha III as “His Holiness.”
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as role model
Despite the recognition and accolades, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III maintains a profound humility. His teachings and actions are characterized by remarkable modesty. In His stern discourses, He unequivocally declared that He would not accept any offerings made to Him during His lifetime. Instead, He dedicated Himself to personal labor not only for self-sustenance but also to aid others, extending assistance in disaster relief efforts and benefiting living beings. His Holiness serves as a model for all living beings to emulate in their spiritual cultivation. He urged people to conduct charity activities and contribute directly to temples, public organizations, and underserved communities that foster societal and global well-being, showcasing a level of righteousness and unselfishness.
Throughout the years, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has shown the world his unparalleled virtue and realization, providing a model for all living beings. His teachings inspire not only Buddhists, but all people to cultivate forbearance, humility, and a commitment to benefit others, even in the face of the challenges in the current worldwide situation.
Celebrating H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day reminds everyone to embrace the teachings of compassion and love, cultivate themselves, and contribute to a peaceful society. The legacy of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path towards a harmonious and ethical humanity as well as liberation from the cycle of reincarnation—a remarkable contribution to our shared human society.
SOURCE: Los Angeles Wire Staff, January 22, 2024.
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