On the morning of January 19, 2025, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural Museum held a Life Release Event in Marina Del Rey, California to commemorate H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day, praying for blessings.
January 19, 2011, was a historic date when the then mayor Vincent C. Gray of Washington D.C. proclaimed H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Day. This proclamation marked the first time a government officially recognized a Buddha Day, encouraging people to honor H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for contributions to humanity, including promoting universal compassion, wisdom, and cultural enrichment.
The Life Release Event was led by Jiaozun Zhengda, Vice President of the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, who guided attendees through prayers emphasizing peace and compassion. Holy gurus, eminent monks, Buddhists from around the world, and local residents gathered together to release thousands of fish into the ocean. As participants recited the Sutra of the Heart of Prajna-Paramita, the ritual symbolized a collective commitment to preserving life and fostering harmony with nature.
This year’s observance carried a heightened significance in the wake of the recent wildfires. As Southern California reels from the catastrophic impact of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the region mourns profound losses among both humans and animals. The Palisades and Eaton fires have scorched over 37,000 acres, leaving a trail of destruction that includes more than 12,000 structures reduced to ash and at least 27 lives tragically claimed. Tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, many returning to heartbreak as they found their homes and communities in ruins. The devastation extends to wildlife, with countless animals displaced, injured, or left to fend for survival in obliterated habitats. Amid this devastation, the shared suffering of all living beings highlights the importance of a unified response rooted in compassion.
For many attendees of the Life Release Event, the flames served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. Firefighters risked everything to save not only people but also animals, illustrating the depth of compassion humanity can achieve in the face of crisis. Stories of lost pets and rescued wildlife offered poignant insights into the courage and resilience exhibited by both humans and animals amid adversity. Participants reflected deeply on the parallels between the animals saved from the wildfires and those captured for food or trade, encouraging a shift toward greater empathy and collective responsibility.
The Abbess of the Hua Zang Si Temple, Ruzun Ruohui, emphasized the significance of following the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to help and benefit all living beings. She expressed gratitude for the collective efforts made to alleviate suffering during the recent wildfires, including multiple disaster relief donation activities and prayer ceremonies aimed at extinguishing the flames and bringing peace to affected beings. Ruzun Ruohui extended heartfelt wishes for everyone to be free from calamities, for nations to thrive with their people living in peace, and for the world to enjoy harmony.
The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum, established in 2014 in Los Angeles, California, is a nonprofit institution founded by a group of individuals inspired by the moral character and teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Motivated by their admiration, they formed the museum to showcase H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s artistic works and provide the public with an opportunity to engage with these creations. The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is a global cultural landmark, showcasing the profound achievements of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in the Five Vidyas. The museum houses a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, poems, and Buddhist texts, each reflecting the spiritual depth and artistic brilliance of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
The Life Release Event underscores the enduring power of compassion and unity in the face of challenges. As the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III continue to inspire individuals globally, events like these remind us that the spirit of love and empathy can illuminate the path toward healing, resilience, and harmony.
US Insider Staff
January 28, 2025
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