We continued our study of DCB35-Learning from Buddha on March 7, 2026 finishing Lesson Three: Cultivation, Assignment 3.
The following are brief summaries of our discussion on March 7, 2026 with links to the video of our ZOOM discussion of that class and previous sessions below. The large bold blue quotes are from a preliminary translation of Learning from Buddha by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Please note that in the video of this class we heard the understanding expressed by the various participants, which may or may not be correct. To understand the translation of all the actual quotes from the Buddha Master you need to read the text, which you can download from the curriculum section of DCB35 (Click “PREVIEW”). Also please remember that we are still working with a preliminary and unauthorized translation of the Buddha Master’s teachings so even these “quotes” can only be used for reference.
The rest of the discussion focused on Lesson Three-Cultivation. The following summarizes that discussion:
What’s the reason that many people can’t carry out the conduct of a Bodhisattva or can’t achieve what is required to become a holy one?
“Their beginning-less karmic forces due to avidya have gradually formed their greed, selfishness, arrogance, hatred, and attachment to self. As soon as attachment to self arises, the notion of saving face arises. As soon as the notion of saving face arises, lies arise one after another. As soon as lies arise one after another, the causal seeds of dark karma arise. With the arising of the causal seeds of dark karma, bad karmic retribution arises. With the arising of bad karmic retribution, transmigration in samsara arises.”
How do you correct this problem?
“Once you truly understand the meaning of this Dharma, and want to become a cultivator, what is the big deal about letting go of attachment to self? When you make a mistake, just admit it. It is no big deal.”
What does the Buddha Master say about cleansing your sins?
“The right thing to do is correct yourself. Anything else is useless. True cleansing of sin is only done through correcting your mistakes.”
What must you NOT have for the Dharma to produce any results?
“If you don’t have FAITH even in the Buddhas or even in me, your Master, the Dharma I transmit to you will not produce any usefulness. Wouldn’t such transmission be in vain? Do you understand? The moment of initiation and Dharma transmission is most crucial. At that moment when I am teaching you, one impure thought of DOUBT on your part would ruin the whole thing. It would contaminate that Dharma. If the initial karmic conditions are not good, learning and practicing that Dharma will not produce any results.”
What do you need to become awaken and why do you need it?
“. . . living beings need to rely on the Dharma to awaken themselves. Human living beings also need to awaken. All living beings need to awaken as well. Only when you have truly awakened can you put into practice the truth that you have awakened to. You will then understand and will act according to the rules.”
What is the key point of the Dharma imparted?
“, , , everyone can easily become a great Bodhisattva who has control over His own birth and death, has perfect reward of good fortune, and is liberated from samsara! However, you must abide by the Dharma rules of cultivation taught by the Buddha. You must abide by the practices, precepts, and disciplinary rules taught by the Buddha.”
What hope did the Buddha Master offer to us whom He calls “Idiots” when we have no sense of shame and always consider outselves in the right?
“Do not panic. You are an idiot now, but if you correct yourself at once, you will no longer be an idiot! Perhaps when you wake up tomorrow morning you will already have the demeanor of a holy person and will be a Bodhisattva at the causal stage.”
We started the discussion with a discussion of the full meaning of the Chinese word “xiuxing” that is usually translated as “cultivation” and the focus of Lesson Three. The Buddha Master also told us about Yidams and how to treat them, how he will respond if you try to deceive Him, and how to treat Dharma Masters or Rinpoches who are not holy beings. He ended this lesson by telling us He did not want our money or wealth or to control us, but only wanted to help us achieve accomplishment and liberation. To do this, He will also make every effort to impart Dharma like Learning from Buddha to us.
We will continue discussing DCB35-Learning from Buddha on March 14 at 9:00-11:00 am Pacific Time. You can download a PDF of the text for DCB35 from the “preview” feature in the OVERVIEW of the “Curriculum” without enrolling in the course. If you want to join these Saturday discussions of the Dharma, you will need to both be enrolled in DCB35 and register for the ZOOM session to receive the link for the discussion. Everyone signing up who is enrolled in the class will be given homework questions to discuss. You may also watch the videos of our discussions once you enroll in DCB35.
We will probably start G36-Dharma that Every Buddhist Must Follow after DCB35. If you want to join us for that course, you should acquire a copy of Dorje Pamu’s text as we will take turns discussing the various questions that have been prepared for the course like we did for P-10 and will also do for DCB35. You can purchase PaMu’s book directly from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum (170 E. School St. Covina CA 91723) and pay by credit card or PayPal. the cost is $36 plus shipping fee. They can ship to your address. Please contact Michelle Chang at (626) 281-6378, (973)337-7539. The museum hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 5:30.
CLICK for a list of available classes in each of the programs: Auditing, Buddhist Studies, and Xiuxing Seminary. Those with membership in the Xiuxing Seminary Program who are only interested in serious practice and not opening a Dharma Center may also elect to follow the Xiuxing Practice Program and take a seven or thirty-day Solitary Retreat.
Next
You will need to enroll in DCB35 to be able to watch the video recordings of the classes, download study materials, or study the related questions and register with ZOOM to receive a link to attend the classes.
LINKS TO DATE: C41-Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice including DCB35, DCB21-26, P10 and other related Learning from Buddha Seminary Classes
The recording of the March 7, 2026 DCB35 class is now available. All of the recordings and summary of ZOOM discussions for DCB21, DCB22, DCB23, DCB24, and DCB26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra are also available. You must be enrolled in each of these classes in one of the full membership programs at the LFBS to access the course materials, questions covered (in parenthesis), and/or the class recordings. Please note that these links will only work if you are logged into LFBS with your membership identification number AND are enrolled in this class. CLICK for information on LFBS class P10 or CLICK for Hesperia classes on major concepts or principles contained in the title of Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.
March 7, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Cultivation-Lesson 3C (Questions 56-72) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
February 28, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Cultivation-Lesson 3B (Questions 41-55) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
February 21, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Cultivation-Lesson 3A (Questions 27-40) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
February 21, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Introduction-Lesson 2B (Questions 22-26) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
February 14, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Introduction-Lesson 1 (Questions 1-5) and Lesson 2A (Questions 6-21), and (HERE) for recording of the class.
CLICK for article on last class held on DCB26-How to Realize Prajna on January 24, 2026 and links to videos of all 15 ZOOM class discussions held on DCB26 from August 9, 2025 to January 24, 2026.
CLICK for article on last class held on DCB26 in 2024 and links to videos of all 8 ZOOM class discussions held on DCB26 held from April 20, 2024 to June 22, 2024.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB25 and links to all 15 ZOOM class discussions on DCB25 held from April 5, 2025 to August 2, 2025.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB24 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB24 held from January 4, 2025 to March 29, 2025.
January 4, 2025: Roadmap to C41(A)–Three Principal Stages & Paths of Buddhist Practice. Video of class discussion.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB23 and links to all 13 ZOOM class discussions on DCB23 held from August 24, 2024 to November 16, 2024,
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB22 and links to videos of all 21 ZOOM class discussions on DCB22 held from February 10, 2024 to April 20, 2024 and from June 29, 2024 to August 3, 2024.
CLICK for article on the last class held on DCB21 and links to videos of all 18 ZOOM class discussions on DCB21 held from November 21, 2022 to April 1, 2023. Note: not all of the forwards, notes, and introductions are complete.
CLICK for Background information on Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra and why it is such an important text.
CLICK for information on S01-Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL) Seminar.
CLICK for article on September 21, 2025 class held at Hesperia on Lessons 5 & 6: Three kinds of Prajna.
CLICK for article on August 17, 2025 class held at Hesperia on Lessons 3 & 4: Introduction to Prajna.
CLICK for article on July 20, 2025 class held at Hesperia on Lessons 1 & 2: Background and Introduction to the Heart Sutra and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.
Add comment