Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra is truly a supreme holy scripture. On March 7, 2014 CE, a dharma assembly of empowerment with this treasure book was held for the first time at the Holy Manifestation Temple in the United States of America. The treasure book Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, the six great dharmas, holy mantras, and letters of petition to be chanted and practiced by the seven types of cultivators, and dharma water and willow branches were presented to the dharma rostrum for worshipping. Forty six (46) pieces of first-publishing stamping seals to be empowered by the dharma water were placed at the front.
Dharma King Gar Tongstan Ciren Gyatso escorted the purple-colored brass dharma bowl that he had beseeched in person from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to the Holy Manifestation Temple. The dharma bowl was then placed onto the elegantly carved granite fortune-beseeching platform. Elder Dharma King Gar Tongstan, Kaichu Rinpoche who is over the age of 80, and Gongga Rinpoche who is 20 years old performed the leading roles of dharma practice at the dharma assembly. Dharma King Gar Tongstan handed the dharma bowl to Kaichu Rinpoche in person. After the rituals of praying and bathing the mandala, Gongga Rinpoche fetched clear water and washed the dharma bowl as watched by everyone. Then the dharma bowl was presented onto the fortune-beseeching platform. All attendees of this dharma assembly were rinpoches, dharma masters, and acaryas. They all started to chant the Six Character Great Bright Mantra and the Heart Sutra with great devotion.
About a little over ten minutes after the dharma assembly had begun, gusty winds suddenly started to roll in the sky. The sounds of whoosh signaled the arrival of many holy dharma protectors. However, the yellow-satin banners covering the walls of the dharma tent were not rolled up by the strong winds. At this time, disciples each saw different holy magnificent states that were beyond description by words! After the chanting of the sutra and the mantra had stopped, Gongga Rinpoche was going to pour six glasses of dharma water into the dharma bowl at the center. Suddenly, he saw through the transparent cover of the dharma bowl light being emitted within the bowl. Upon looking closely, many nectars were seen inside the bowl. With astonishment and joy, he immediately prostrated to the dharma bowl. The site of the dharma assembly was filled with a scene of happiness and delight. People all went forward to view the dharma bowl respectfully. Some people saw that the nectars were five-colored. Some saw the nectars as being purple-red colored. Some others saw the nectars as being white. The shapes and forms of the nectars were unlike any objects or matters in the human world. The nectars were truly wonderful and miraculous beyond description!
People present all praised the holy scene with surprise and joy. After this period of excitement, the six glasses of dharma water were merged with the nectars. Holy water of seven components, with nectars being the leading one, was created in the dharma bowl. Dharma King Gar Tongstan used willow branches to sprinkle the holy water onto the first-publishing stamping seals to empower the ink paste and the stamping seals. He also knocked the dharma bowl to have it ring loudly to manifest the voice of the dharma transmitting through the sky to everywhere in the dharma realm to benefit living beings with perfect good fortune and wisdom.
Although H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III did not come to the site to practice the dharma, because of the presence of the scripture Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra expounded by His Holiness the Buddha, the boundless merit and realization power of His Holiness the Buddha still invoked Buddha-bestowed nectars. All these supreme holy manifestations thoroughly proved that the dharma Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the most supreme unsurpassable sutra of Buddhism leading to liberation and accomplishment!
Although H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III did not lead the dharma practice in person, His Holiness the Buddha said while handing the dharma bowl to Dharma King Gar Tongstan, “I will not take part in this dharma assembly of yours. I believe that all Buddhas in the ten directions will empower your dharma assembly. This is because Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra is the most supreme and perfect treasure book. It will call for and bring empowerment.”
Additionally, we would like to inform you all that this dharma bowl will arrive at Hong Kong and will be rung loudly on March 23, 2014 to pray for and beseech good fortune for you all. Together with the two contrasting photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III taken before and after the time His Holiness the Buddha reversed an aged appearance to that of a youth, the dharma bowl will be exhibited in the Offering Room for viewing respectfully by you all to receive the joy of the dharma.
International Buddhism Sangha Association
March 8, 2014