Signs That You Are Being Protected by the Buddhas and Divine Beings

 In life, you’ve probably come across someone who lives simply—without striving or showing off—yet is always well-loved by others.  Good things seem to come their way, misfortunes pass quickly, and life flows smoothly for them.  You might wonder, "Are they just lucky or truly blessed?"

 

The truth is, each of us is constantly planting the seeds of karma through our thoughts, words, and actions.  When we cultivate goodness, the universe quietly aligns the right conditions for us to be uplifted and protected.  This is what it means to be supported by divine energy or the blessings of the Buddhas.

 

If you possess some of the following signs, cherish them.  And if you don’t yet see them in yourself, don’t be discouraged—because by simply reading this article or seeking spiritual wisdom, you are already walking the path.

 

1. You Naturally Think of Others

If you often think of others’ well-being, help without expecting anything in return, and bring peace to those around you without seeking attention or praise—then your heart is filled with compassion.  According to Buddhist teachings, you are practicing Metta (loving-kindness), through good thoughts, kind speech, and noble actions. These seeds will eventually bloom into blessings.

 

2. You Help Without Expecting Anything in Return

Have you ever helped someone without needing them to thank you, remember you, or repay you?  That is the spirit of a Bodhisattva. While the world often expects reciprocity, the law of karma reveals that the greatest merit comes from selfless giving.  A heart that gives freely is light, gentle, and spiritually clean—and that purity invites divine protection.

 

3. You Survive Life’s Storms

Perhaps you’ve faced serious illness, loss, or hardship—only to be rescued at your lowest point by someone who offered help or opened a new path for you.  Many call it luck, but in Buddhism, this is the fruit of past good deeds and the protective force of spiritual merit.  As the saying goes, “A virtuous person will always be provided for.” Virtue is the invisible armor that guards you.

 

4. You Are Surrounded by Good People

If your family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors are kind and supportive, take a moment to reflect—it’s a sign of good karma you’ve planted.  Good people appear in our lives as blessings. Difficult people come to teach us.  Either way, it is the universe arranging the right environment for your growth. Be grateful, and don’t take it for granted.

 

5. You Don't Hold Grudges for Long

Everyone has been hurt at some point—whether betrayed, lied to, or spoken to harshly.  But if you are able to let go, forgive, and not dwell on bitterness, then you possess a heart of compassion and equanimity.  In Buddhist practice, you are embodying the spirit of letting go, which invites peace and divine support into your life.

 

6. You Are Respected and Loved Without Trying

If people respect you and gravitate toward you—even though you never try to please or flatter them—it means your inner goodness speaks for itself.  If you regularly share knowledge or inspire others in meaningful ways, then you are serving as a conduit of light and virtue.  This is not random; it’s a sign of spiritual maturity and divine protection.

7. You Have Inner Peace and Sleep Well

In a chaotic world, peaceful sleep is a priceless gift.  If you can rest peacefully, feel content with what you have, and don't chase after material excess—yet still feel joy in your heart—then congratulations.  You are showing clear signs of being protected by higher forces.  True happiness is not external; it begins within.

Closing Thoughts

If you recognize some of these signs in yourself, take a moment to be grateful.  Keep nurturing that goodness, and your blessings will continue to grow. If you don’t yet see these signs, don't worry.  The very fact that you're seeking to understand, reading spiritual teachings, and exploring inner growth shows that you're already on the right path.

The seeds of virtue are already being planted.  With patience and sincere effort, they will bloom.

 

If you find this article meaningful, please share it with others.  You may be the gentle hand of compassion that helps awaken someone else's path—just as the Buddhas and divine beings have touched yours.

Black Sesame Porridge

 Black Sesame Porridge is more than just a nourishing breakfast—it’s a warm, velvety dish steeped in tradition across East Asia. Whether you're wandering a bustling morning market in Vietnam, navigating side streets in Seoul, or exploring ancient alleyways in Beijing, the earthy aroma of this subtly sweet porridge is never far away.  Made from finely ground black sesame seeds—tiny, jet-black gems from the Sesamum indicum plant—this comforting bowl is packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and a deep, nutty flavor that's as satisfying as it's healthy.

Its creamy texture makes each spoonful feel indulgent, yet it’s incredibly easy on the stomach—perfect for slow mornings or a gentle reset.  I remember the first time I tried it from a small vendor tucked behind a lantern-lit alley in Hanoi; it was slightly warm from the midday sun, and the hint of sweetness felt like a quiet hug.  Topped with a swirl of coconut milk or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, it becomes both nostalgic and novel.

As black sesame seeds gain popularity worldwide, this dish is finding a new audience—one that appreciates ancient ingredients with a modern focus on wellness and warmth.

 

Black Sesame Sweet Rice Porridge

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup sweet rice (glutinous rice)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp almonds or any nut of your choice
• Optional toppings: sliced jujube, roasted nuts

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Sesame Seeds:

2.    Rinse the black sesame seeds and let them drain for about 20 minutes.

3.    In a dry skillet over low heat, toast the seeds for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

4.    You'll know they're ready when they begin to "jump" or pop slightly. Remove from heat.

5.    Preparing the Rice:

6.    Rinse the sweet rice thoroughly and drain it well.

7.    Cooking the Porridge:

8.    In a crockpot, combine the toasted sesame seeds, drained sweet rice, nuts, and 4 cups of water.

9.    Cook on low overnight or on high for about 3 hours until the rice is soft, and the mixture has thickened.

10.                       Seasoning and Blending:

11.                       Add salt and stir well.  For a smoother texture, use a hand-held blender to blend the porridge until creamy.

12.                       Serving:

13.                       Ladle into bowls and top with sliced jujube or roasted nuts as desired.  Enjoy warm.

 

Stovetop Version

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup sweet rice (glutinous rice)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp almonds or any nuts of your choice
• Optional toppings: sliced jujube, roasted nuts

Directions:

1.    Toasting the Sesame Seeds:

2.    Rinse and drain the sesame seeds.  Let sit for 20 minutes.

3.    Dry toast in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly until it starts to pop (about 4 minutes).  Set aside.

4.    Preparing the Rice:

5.    Rinse the sweet rice thoroughly and drain it well.

6.    Cooking the Porridge:

7.    In a medium pot, combine the toasted sesame seeds, sweet rice, nuts, and water.

8.    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

9.    Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and the porridge has thickened.

10.                       Finishing and Serving:

11.                       Stir in salt.  Use a hand blender for a smooth texture.

12.                       Serve warm with toppings like sliced jujube or roasted nuts.

 

Instant Pot Version

Ingredients: (same as above)

Directions:

1.    Toasting the Sesame Seeds:

2.    Rinse, drain, and toast the black sesame seeds as described above.  Set aside.

3.    Preparing the Rice:

4.    Rinse and drain the sweet rice.

5.    Pressure Cooking:

6.    In the Instant Pot, add sesame seeds, rice, nuts, and 4 cups of water.

7.    Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.

8.    Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

9.    Finishing and Serving:

10.                       Open the lid and stir in the salt.  Blend to achieve a creamy consistency, if desired.

11.                       Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

Korean Red Bean Porridge

Patjuk, or Korean Red Bean Porridge, is more than just a warm bowl of comfort—it’s a timeless dish woven into Korea’s culinary heritage and seasonal traditions.  Originally enjoyed during Dongji (the winter solstice) to ward off evil spirits and welcome renewal, this nourishing porridge has since become a modern-day morning staple.  With its earthy sweetness and creamy texture, Patjuk offers a fast, healthy breakfast that suits even the busiest days.

For a personal touch, top it with a swirl of honey or a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds.  Craving crunch?  Try a few pine nuts or a spoonful of granola.  And if you're balancing indulgence with nutrition, pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.  Whether you're honoring tradition or reinventing it, Patjuk brings soul and sustenance together in every spoonful.

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried red beans
• 1/3 cup sweet (glutinous) rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp walnuts or cashew nuts
• 12 dried jujubes (seeded and sliced)

Optional toppings:

• Honey
• Roasted sesame seeds

Directions:

1.    

2.    Rinse the red beans thoroughly.  Please place them in an Instant Pot with enough water and pressure cook for 15 minutes until tender.

3.    

4.    Rinse the sweet rice and add it to a crockpot.  Pour in 4 cups of water, then add the cooked red beans, sliced jujubes, salt, and nuts.

5.    

6.    Set the crockpot to low heat and cook overnight (about 6–8 hours).

7.    

8.    In the morning, stir the porridge well.  Serve warm, drizzled with honey, or sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds, if desired.

 

     

Here's the stovetop version of the Red Bean and Jujube Sweet Rice Porridge recipe:

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried red beans
• 1/3 cup sweet (glutinous) rice
• 4 cups water (plus more as needed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp walnuts or cashew nuts
• 12 dried jujubes (seeded and sliced)

Optional toppings:

• Honey
• Roasted sesame seeds

Directions:

1.    

2.    Rinse the red beans and place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes or until tender.  Add more water as needed during cooking.  Drain and set aside.

3.    

4.    Rinse the sweet rice thoroughly and drain.

5.    

6.    In a large pot, combine the cooked red beans, rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, sliced jujubes, salt, and nuts.  Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

7.    

1.    Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.  Add more water if the mixture becomes too thick.

2.    Serving:

3.    Once the porridge reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, please remove it from the heat.  Serve warm, drizzled with honey, or sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Braised Tofu with Pork (Đậu Hũ Kho Thịt)

Braised Tofu with Pork is a cherished staple in Vietnamese family meals, known for its rich flavor and comforting simplicity.  What makes this version special is the use of fresh coconut water for braising—a traditional touch that infuses the dish with a mellow sweetness and subtle complexity.  Unlike the standard method, which uses only boiling water and fish sauce, coconut water enhances the umami of the pork and tofu, creating a more vibrant and well-rounded flavor.  It’s a humble yet deeply satisfying dish that brings warmth to every table.

 

Ingredients:

• ½ lb pork belly (choose cuts with a good balance of lean and fat)
• 1 block tofu 
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup fresh coconut water
• Cilantro (optional garnish)
• Spices:

• Salt
• Fish sauce
• Sugar
• Seasoning powder
• Cooking oil
• Ground pepper
• Colored oil (for flavor and richness)

🔪 Preparations:

1.    Prepping the Pork:

·         Rinse pork belly in diluted salt water, then rinse again with clean water.

·         Pat dry and slice into bite-sized pieces—not too thin, not too thick.

2.    Prepping the Tofu:

·         Blanch the tofu briefly in boiling water, then cut it into squares.

·         Pan-fry until golden on all sides. Drain on paper towels.

3.    Aromatics:

·         Peel and finely mince shallot and garlic.

·         Wash and chop green onions and cilantro.

Directions:

1.    Marinating the Pork:

·         In a bowl, combine pork with:

·         1 tbsp sugar

·         1 tbsp fish sauce

·         1 tsp pepper

·         1 tbsp seasoning powder

·         ½ tsp salt

·         Minced garlic and shallot

·         2 tbsp colored oil

·         Mix well and let marinate for 30–40 minutes.

2.    Searing and Braising:

·         Heat ½ tbsp cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

·         Add marinated pork and stir until the meat is firm and lightly browned.

·         Add fried tofu and stir gently.

·         Pour in the coconut water, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

·         Simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.

3.    Finishing Touch:

·         Stir in chopped green onions and cilantro.

·         If desired, add fresh chili slices for heat.

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness.