from the International Buddhism Sangha Association:
Since the publishing of the news reports about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s painting “Ink Lotus” being sold at the highest price of US$16,500,000 at the 2015 Spring Auction that took place in the global art center New York City to become the champion of all artworks offered by numerous major auction houses, there have been many comments from the great masses. Almost all praised His Holiness the Buddha’s absolutely true accomplishments. However, in a notice issued by the International Buddhism Sangha Association (IBSA), we used overly harsh rhetoric against the few persons expressing slandering views. After knowing this matter, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III told us:
“I read your IBSA announcement. Personally, I do not have the right to criticize you. However, considering the fact that you all are disciples of Sakyamuni Buddha and all Buddhas in the ten directions, I would like to say a few words for your reference. No matter what person(s) making what comments about me, you should not be bothered by and react to that. Since living beings already have a lot of pain and suffering, do not add anything more to hurt their feelings. The do not know the facts, are living in the midst of ignorance, and are deceived by the rumors fabricated by some people. If we cultivators do not understand and forgive them, people who do not cultivate will be even less likely to understand them. We shall only wish that all are well for them. What a Buddhist disciple should do is selflessly cultivating the self and benefiting others. Only then can the individual increase one’s own good fortune and wisdom. Then society can be stable and peaceful, leading to happiness, health, and delight to all.”
Upon hearing His Holiness the Buddha’s teaching, we at IBSA feel deeply humbled. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is always unselfish and selfless and never pays any attention to damages and harm caused to Him by anyone. His Holiness the Buddha’s utmost high holy and pure virtue and character that always focuses on benefiting living beings made us feel embarrassed. Moreover, we do not have enough words of praise toward His Holiness the Buddha’s state of enlightenment of a Buddha. We can only follow His Holiness the Buddha’s teaching, make concrete deeds in self-cultivation, and be a good person who is kind, upright, sincere, and honest, benefits others, and makes contribution to society. To those who made the slandering comments, we cultivators should not scold them or irritate them. However, we must factually praise His Holiness the Buddha’s accomplishments and utmost honorable, holy, and pure morality. This is the rightful conduct that Buddhist disciples are obligated to and must actively make the effort to carry out. Otherwise we cannot be regarded as true Buddhist disciples and are even less in a position to speak of learning Buddha-dharma and attaining accomplishment.
This public announcement is hereby given.
International Buddhism Sangha Association
March 30, 2015