We continued our study of DCB35-Learning from Buddha on March 14, 2026 starting Lesson Four: Introduction, Assignment 4. We also discussed the examination given by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters.
The following are brief summaries of our discussion on March 14, 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 Four-Tantra-Introduction.
What can you expect if you cultivate yourself, but do NOT learn Dharma?
“. . . you will not experience beneficial effects. Even in the extremely unlikely event that you did manifest some external usages of power, it would be nothing more than a psychological effect that you impress on others, an illusory phenomenon, an empty shadow.”
What must a guru or master specifically understand?
“. . . whoever is a guru or master must understand the sutra teachings, the treatises, and Dharma principles. As a master, if you yourself do not even understand Dharma principles, how can you teach your disciples to understand them?”
What must living beings rely on to attain accomplishment and liberation?
“To attain accomplishment and liberation, living beings must rely on the correct and flawless practice of the three practices—the preliminary practice, main practice, and concluding practice. They are one complete Buddha Dharma. You cannot say that giving someone an initiation today or chanting a few lines of a mantra is transmitting Dharma. You also cannot say that giving someone a special empowerment today is infusing that person with Buddha Dharma. You also cannot claim that coming up with some zen koan containing a cryptic word or phrase means that you are enlightened.”
What does Buddha Dharma do?
“It enables living beings to eliminate their dark karma, increase their good karma, and perfect their undertaking of enlightenment so as to attain liberation from samsara, thoroughly awaken to the intrinsic truth, and realize the state of no death and no rebirth.”
Can we call Buddha Dharma a “method”? Explain.
“To put it in worldly terms, it is simply called “method.” However, to say that Buddha Dharma is ‘method’ is actually incorrect. The word “method” cannot be used to describe Buddha Dharma. I can only say that at this time calling Buddha Dharma ‘method’ makes it easier for people to understand the meaning. It is that simple. Although it is that simple, in fact, the perfect practice of the preliminary practice, main practice, and concluding practice is no simple matter at all. This is only a one-sentence summary. Therefore, Buddha Dharma is the perfect practice of the three practices—the preliminary practice, main practice, and concluding practice—of the true Dharma of the Tathagatas.
What are mantras?
“Mantras are not Dharma. A mantra is the power from the mind of a Buddha or Bodhisattva.”
We also discussed what Buddha Dharma is–its concept–and why it is so indispensable in attaining enlightenment and although mudras, mantras, chanting sutras, koans, or the like are parts or aspects of Buddha Dharma, they are not the totality of it. The Buddha Master also explained how many Dharma Masters, Rinpoches, or even Dharma Kings do not have a clear concept of just what Buddha Dhara is. He also explained why we do not allow those below a three gold button rank teach and He told us about the exam given by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters to determine this ranking. He stated what was the source of true Buddha Dharma
We will continue discussing DCB35-Learning from Buddha on March 21 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.
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.
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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 14, 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 14, 2026: DCB35-Learning from Buddha, Tantra-Introduction-Lesson 4A (Questions 73-89) and (HERE) for recording of the class.
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.
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