John R. Carroll
Another miracle happened in June of 2012 that demonstrates the power and beauty of the Buddha-dharma. One of my students from Philadelphia, “Anandamayi” Nancy Santana, lost her only son, John Carroll when he was accidentally shot in the head by a friend. They were recording a music-video on gun violence at the friend’s house and had no idea the gun they were using was loaded. His friend thought the gun was empty when he pulled the trigger. John was 18 and a young man who loved to help people and be there for his friends and family. He had been like that since he was a small boy. He was so compassionate that the other children at his school decided to have “John Carroll Moments” each day where they would try and do something good for someone, imitating John’s behavior. He loved his two sisters and helped take care of his youngest sister, Alma, who has been under hospice care since 2010, suffering from a rare and incurable disease for many years that causes her frail body to shake in almost constant convulsions. While John’s friends and family were holding a candlelight vigil in front of their home, a very big and bright rainbow appeared over the house, remained for a few minutes, and disappeared. Other family members who were depressed over the loss of John also saw the rainbow in various parts of Philadelphia at the exact same time. They reported that it was the biggest, most beautiful rainbow they had ever seen. This young life had gone on. H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha had empowered this young man and his soul or consciousness had gone on, but not before he gave his blessing to all that were mourning his loss. What had been a very sad and senseless tragedy became a cause of celebration. Such is the power of the true Buddha-dharma and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.