According to the report we obtained from the geological department, it is confirmed that, as stated by H.H. the 3rd Dodrupchen Rinpoche, there is a crystal lake underground in Shentian Lake, and the water quality in the lake is very good. In addition, there is one of the only two underground rivers in the world that flows from south to north, called the Dajiang River. The water in the lake is not the same as the water in the underground river because they have a significant difference in water levels. The water level of the crystal lake is 2,720 feet, while the water level outside the crystal lake is 2,700 feet. The water company in the Buddhist city of Shentian Lake has drilled five wells on the surface to provide water for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. The Buddhist city is naturally a place of great auspiciousness and blessings. However, some Buddhists have gone to Shentian Lake, taken the water from the lake to drink, and taken the stones and sand from the surface of the Buddhist city, claiming them to be sacred sand and stones. This is a false claim. Now, we must seriously inform everyone that this behavior is impure and unacceptable. Is it appropriate for a Buddhist to go to a temple and steal things privately, stealing other people's belongings while still observing the precepts and rules? We can only contribute to the temple, so how can we secretly take away things from the Buddhist city? What is even more foolish is that the water underground in Shentian Lake is good because it has been filtered and treated by the water company. The water you take from the lake is unhygienic. For example, there are hundreds of wild ducks, geese, and birds playing freely on the water, and they inevitably carry bacteria. Moreover, the lake water has not been cleaned for many years. Drinking this water is not good for your health. Please do not drink the lake water in Shentian Lake and do not take the lake water, stones, or sand from the Buddhist city privately. They are not holy water, sacred sand, or sacred stones. Please do not have wild thoughts. If you consider this water to be holy water, it is simply misleading others. Those who have taken the lake water, stones, or sand, please return them to Shentian Lake on your own and do not bring them to the Holy Relic Temple. The stones, water, and sand that you have taken and returned have caused a disaster in the Holy Relic Temple. The temple will no longer accept the stones, sand, and water that you have taken. We apologize for the inconvenience as the temple does not have enough manpower to handle them on your behalf. Thank you for your cooperation.
World Buddhist Headquarters
April 26, 2019