How a Full-Time Grandma Practices Buddhism Through the Teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

I am retired. I once thought that, finally, I would have plenty of time to do what I had long wished to do but couldn’t — especially to practice authentic Buddha Dharma, listen to Dharma discourses from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, do my daily recitations, and participate in Buddhist activities. However, things turned out very differently.

The Unexpected Life of a “Full-Time Grandma”

Ever since my grandson was born — now one year and four months old — I’ve taken on a new role, just like having a “second child” myself. I’ve become a “full-time mother” once again. I am on duty 24/7: making formula, feeding, cleaning up poop and pee, changing diapers, doing laundry, shopping online and at the supermarket. There is hardly a moment to rest.

My son and daughter-in-law work thousands of miles away. If they want to see the baby, I have to send videos and photos — reporting the “daily progress.” They come home twice a year. You can imagine how difficult that is: they miss the child, but can do nothing to help. Sadly, this is common for many young families in China today. Most have no spiritual belief, no understanding of karma, and do not cherish the blessings they already have.

I became overwhelmed with frustration and resentment. I constantly complained — criticizing my husband for drinking, smoking, and just watching the grandson laugh without lifting a finger. I messaged my son and daughter-in-law, accusing them of being irresponsible — “just giving birth, not raising the child.” I even blamed my in-laws for not helping at all. I ate poorly, slept poorly, grew hunched over, my body ached, my heart raced, I sweated with exhaustion. My hair turned gray, my face wrinkled, my body thinned drastically.

What made it worse was that I couldn’t consistently listen to Dharma Discourses from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, couldn’t keep up with my daily Buddhist practice, and certainly couldn’t go out to participate in ceremonies or do volunteer work. I was close to breaking down.

Applying the Teachings of Dorje Chang Buddha III in Daily Life

As my grandson slowly grew, he seemed to understand my pain. Every time I fed him, he would gaze into my eyes with tenderness, as if saying, “Thank you, Grandma, for your hard work.”

After all, I am a Buddhist who has received teachings from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and studied the treasured book Learning from Buddha. I practice the method of “Three Examinations a Day.” Whenever I find a little peace, I reflect and ask myself:

Why do I practice Buddhism? What is the purpose of attaining liberation? Why do I do my daily practice? Am I truly cultivating?

Taking care of my grandson so that my son and daughter-in-law can focus on work — isn’t this also benefiting sentient beings? Aren’t they, too, part of the countless beings we vow to help? If my grandson is crying beside me, how can I calmly sit to listen to Dharma or chant?

According to the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: “Those who seek only their own attainment and benefit, while ignoring the suffering of others, are filled with self-attachment. As long as one has not eliminated self-attachment, then even if they appear to be learning or practicing Buddhism, they are in fact dwelling within the Three Poisons of greed, anger, and delusion, and lack the heart of great compassion. Such beings are not planted with the seed of enlightenment.”

As a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I must follow the Buddha’s teachings and put them into real practice. I believe in cause and effect. Everything that arises in my life is tied to karma and affinity — especially my own children and grandchildren. While I still have the strength, I can help them find peace in their work, help keep the family harmonious. This is what I should do. At the same time, I must be an example for them: refrain from all evil, cultivate all good. I must do everything I can to lead them into the ocean of the Buddha Dharma taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, so they may also begin practicing, leave suffering behind, and attain liberation. This is my greatest vow.

Gratitude and Renewed Joy

Now, I feel happy again. My sense of peace and fulfillment is growing day by day. As a layperson, I am blessed: I have children and grandchildren, a retirement pension, and relatively good health. Most importantly, I have encountered the rare and supreme karmic opportunity of this lifetime — the true Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

I will cherish this chance, cultivate diligently, benefit others, and strive to attain the perfect balance of blessings and wisdom as soon as possible.

Written by / Sai Yi