Explanation about the "Third World Vajra Buddha" Title#
On April 3, 2008, the book "The Third World Vajra Buddha" published by the Global Buddhist Publishing House and the World Dharma Sound Publishing House held a solemn and grand launch ceremony at the Library of Congress in the United States. The Library of Congress officially collected this book, and it was then that people learned that the highly respected Master Yiyun Gao and the great Dharma King Yang Er Yixi Nuo Bu were certified by the leaders or regents of major Buddhist sects around the world as the third incarnation of the cosmic primordial Buddha, the Vajra Buddha, with the title of the Third World Vajra Buddha. From then on, people began to refer to him as "Namo Third World Vajra Buddha." This is similar to how before Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment, his name was Siddhartha Prince, but after he became the Buddha, he was referred to as "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha." Therefore, we now say "Namo Third World Vajra Buddha." Especially on December 12, 2012, the U.S. Senate Resolution No. 614 officially conferred the title of His Holiness upon the Third World Vajra Buddha (i.e., H.H. Third World Vajra Buddha), thus establishing the title of Namo Third World Vajra Buddha. Moreover, the Third World Vajra Buddha is also the government-registered name, and the previous titles of "Yiyun Gao" and Master, the Great Holder Dharma King, no longer exist. However, this news was published before the title of Namo Third World Vajra Buddha was announced, at a time when people were still unaware of the true identity of the Buddha. Therefore, to respect the historical truth, we still retain the name used before the official title of the Third World Vajra Buddha in the news, but everyone should be clear that apart from the name H.H. Third World Vajra Buddha being legal, the names used before the official designation no longer exist.
Cancer Patient Devoutly Turns to Buddha, Family Witnesses Miracles#
Hou Yushan Diligently Practices, Wishes to Meet Master Yiyun Gao, and Receives Buddha's Guidance#
Taiwan Times, June 19, 2003, Thursday
(Kaohsiung News) Hou Yushan, a Buddhist disciple who has practiced Buddhism for many years, despite discovering he had lung cancer, remained devoutly dedicated to Buddha. After listening to the Dharma teachings of Master Yiyun Gao at the Yiyun Gao International Cultural Foundation, he endured the pain of his illness and participated in the group practice at the Qi Jin Association, serving as a volunteer around the clock, all to meet the revered Master Yiyun Gao. Before passing away, he was able to meet Master Yiyun Gao as he wished, and a series of miraculous events occurred that left him and his family with unforgettable memories.
Devout Buddhist Hou Yushan passed away peacefully on June 1, at the age of seventy-three. His wife, Hou Li Qingqiu, spoke about Hou Yushan's journey in Buddhism and his passing, stating that he was shocked when he first heard the Dharma teachings of Master Yiyun Gao on a tape a year and a half ago, as he had never imagined such subtle Buddhist teachings existed in the world.
In February of this year, Hou Yushan and his wife took refuge under Master Yiyun Gao, led by Rinpoche Losang Jiatso at the Yiyun Gao International Cultural Foundation in the United States, and felt the master's approachable demeanor. Although they wished to offer alms to Master Yiyun Gao and sincerely requested empowerment and teachings, the master politely declined. However, he unreservedly bestowed empowerment and teachings upon them, and after receiving the Dharma, Hou Yushan diligently practiced and quickly delved into the realms of understanding.
On the day of the Buddha Bathing Festival in May, Hou Yushan and his wife met Master Yiyun Gao again. Hou Yushan sincerely requested to "be reborn in the Pure Land," and Master Yiyun Gao then imparted to him the "Secret Rebirth Mudra," granting him the supreme method of chanting the Buddha's name, which greatly excited Hou Yushan. From then on, miracles began to occur. His wife, Dr. Hou Li Qingqiu, saw golden light emanating from his head and back, composed of yellow and red colors, dazzling and auspicious, and his complexion was remarkably good, so much so that even their daughter, an anesthetist, felt her father's face did not look like that of a patient. Hou Yushan then told his wife that during his practice, he entered a state of samadhi and went to the Pure Land, which was incredibly beautiful, resembling the colorful scenery emerging from the mist over a lake at dawn, and the Buddha indicated he would come to guide him seven days later.
Hou Li Qingqiu recalled that before Hou Yushan passed away, he arranged all family matters and hoped that she would follow the Vajra Master to practice diligently, stating that only by following him could one achieve success, and that his Dharma was the true Dharma. After giving his final instructions, Hou Yushan told his wife that he would leave that night. Hou Li Qingqiu had already foreseen that her husband would be reborn in the Buddha's realm. Indeed, on June 1 at 6:15 AM, Hou Yushan's pulse slowed, and his breathing became shallow. The two of them continuously recited, "Namo Vajra Master! Namo Amitabha Buddha!" Hou Yushan performed the secret mudra taught to him by Master Yiyun Gao. At that moment, Hou Li Qingqiu suddenly heard heavenly music, and Hou Yushan's body emitted increasingly strong golden light, merging with the radiance of Shakyamuni Buddha and other Buddhas appearing in the sky. Five minutes later, Hou Yushan's pulse and heartbeat stopped, and this "miracle" left a lasting impression on Hou Li Qingqiu.