Several of my close friends used to joke about my yapping. He said I should create a yapping channel like the ones on Instagram or something…
So, here I am, inspired also by Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, to create a blog that will contain both the languages I speak. My blog will be mainly focused on Buddhism, as it is what I hold most dear.
About Me
My name is Liri (legal name: Lirui) Zou. Dharma name is 力瑞. I’m a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I was born in Chengdu, China, in 2001 and moved to Canada when I was 9 months old. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and studied Bachelors of International Economics at UBC. My career experience spans administration, marketing, tutoring, transportation, and community-focused work.
I was very fortunate to start learning the Buddha Dharma at a young age. We were introduced to the Buddha Dharma of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Shakyamuni Buddha in 2011. On August 7th, 2013, my parents, two younger brothers, many others, and I took refuge in Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III as our Buddha Master.
Caveat
Most everything I share here is just my personal interpretation, and so there will be mistakes.
Because I learned Buddhism in Chinese, I’m not very proficient in English Buddhist terminology or even the language to be honest. I don’t feel strong in both languages. I’m still getting familiar with the nuances of how to convey my understanding of the Dharma, especially in English (even a small mistake can change the meaning).
…As human beings living in this world, we must first let go of “self.” Day and night we should stay far away from selfishness and should derive our happiness from benefiting others. When attachment to the concept of self is absent in our thoughts, we become free of selfishness and greed. Our minds become bright, clear, and free of impediments. We then consider the interests of others and are naturally respected by others. Consequently, we are physically and mentally at ease and are happy. Through this natural process, one can successfully refine one’s state of mind to be broad, elevated, and pure until one eventually attains the complete elimination of all defilements.
I resonate deeply with this quote. This quote is from the artwork label of the Great Accomplishment Is Attained Only Through Selflessness piece. You can spot it in my video tour of the International Art Museum of America (2024).
