A Divine Encounter with the Living Buddha

This is a record of an interview with Luo Zhiqiang, a representative of the spirits from a Vietnamese temple who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his experience as a spirit for 52 years. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 17, 2026.

Luo Zhiqiang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Luo Zhiqiang. We are the spirits who have been guarding a small Buddhist temple within the Vietnamese community near Brisbane. It is a modest, unassuming place, home to a few nuns, yet it often attracts many devotees. We have grown accustomed to the bustle during holidays and festivals. In truth, we spirits prefer a quiet, pure environment for our practice, and we are drawn to places filled with light.

A Shocking Revelation of Light

Not long ago, we received wonderful news: the entire temple community was planning to visit a grand Buddhist centre where the Buddha truly abides. The news sent a shockwave through us! We had been living there peacefully, though without any extraordinary light. We were all deeply longing to encounter the true Dharma—to meet the Buddha himself. We are spirits who believe in the Buddha, specifically Namo Amituofo. Our temple does offer prostrations to Namo Amituofo, and when the chanting is sincere, the statue of the Buddha in our temple emits a faint golden glow.

However, when we looked toward the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we were absolutely stunned! The golden light there is not something that can be emitted by an ordinary statue. The entire temple was radiating a majestic, golden brilliance that reached into the heavens. We could see it from as far away as Brisbane. This is where the Buddha truly resides!

The Call of the True Dharma

We were curious and made inquiries, learning that the people from our temple would soon be visiting Hsiang Kuang. But we were impatient. Our hearts could feel the warmth and compassion of the Buddha-light. As spirits who have longed for the Truth for so long, we knew such an opportunity is rare. We began to chant Namo Amituofo incessantly, hovering around the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. We were deeply moved. On that morning, while Practitioner Su was giving a Dharma talk, we knew immediately that what was being taught was the ultimate Truth—something not found in ordinary temples. Many of us sat in the air, circling the centre, quietly chanting and listening to the Dharma. We knew Practitioner Su must be a person of great capability, for the light he carries is identical to the light of Namo Amituofo, and the strength he provides is just as immense.

The Infinite Space of Compassion

We spirits have travelled to many temples, having spent time in the small Vietnamese temple for group cultivation because of its quiet environment. But this time, encountering the true Buddha in the world, we could not wait any longer. We decided to seek refuge first. We stayed in the solemn Namo Amitabha Buddhist Hall. At first, we listened in silence. Sometimes Practitioner Su would roar like a lion; other times, he would smile with great compassion. We understood that these are but a few of the thousands of ways the Buddha delivers sentient beings. Seeing Practitioner Su felt like seeing a long-lost relative—a feeling of profound familiarity.

Yet, we also witnessed Practitioner Su being attacked by demon crowds. We realised that Hsiang Kuang is a unique place. The audience for Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks is not limited to the few disciples present. Most of them were not truly listening—some were busy with their own tasks, others were dozing off. We felt helpless watching this. But what we saw was that the Namo Amitabha Buddhist Hall was packed with celestial beings, deities, ghosts, and spirits! It was difficult for us to enter, but the space here is infinite, just as the hearts of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are infinite. We saw layers upon layers of space, and we understood that the Dharma Practitioner Su speaks is the truth that 'the Buddha teaches with one voice, and beings understand according to their own capacity.'

The Path of True Practice

Regarding the demon crowds, we learned that because Practitioner Su carries the power of Namo Amituofo, he can subdue demonic enemies, which is why so many demons come here seeking to surrender. Furthermore, there is the Western Dharma-Nature Land, a Buddha-realm that can accommodate immeasurable and boundless demon crowds. In our short time here, we have learned so much—principles we had never even imagined or heard of before.

We watched as the demons attacked Practitioner Su, causing him to struggle to open his eyes and interfering with his teaching. We were too weak to help, so we could only guard the area silently and listen with total focus. We heard Practitioner Su repeatedly ask the disciples why they would not change their personality traits. Indeed, why not? We realised that human bodies are just like the bodies we once possessed—they are not truly under one's own control.

Like me, Luo Zhiqiang, I was once a practitioner who chanted the Buddha's name quite sincerely. But I never let go of my attachment to the body. I did not know that there was so much to change and let go of in Buddhist practice. I simply thought that practice meant doing my daily lessons, finding a quiet place to meditate, and hoping to realise Buddhahood. That had been my wish all along.

But at this moment, I have decided to follow the Buddha. I have found Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. There is so much to learn here. In just one morning, I understood what it truly means for the Buddha to save the world. I had thought I was practising, but I was still clinging to this body, this identity, and this attachment to 'how I should practise.' I did not know how to let go and surrender myself to the Buddha, to simply follow the Buddha in delivering sentient beings.

Today’s discovery has left me in shock. At this very moment, I have been led by Practitioner Su to the Western Dharma-Nature Land, beginning a new path of practice. I wish to call upon all practitioners, celestial beings, and spirits who have a karmic connection with me: please come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to pay homage to Namo Amituofo. Come and see the Buddha you have chanted to your entire life; he is truly here on this precious land. Encountering the Buddha is a tremendous blessing—you must cherish this opportunity.

Namo Amituofo.

Luo Zhiqiang

A Message for Venerable Fa Nan

Please, Luo Zhiqiang, give a teaching to Venerable Fa Nan of the Vietnamese temple:

"Namo Amituofo! Venerable Fa Nan truly has the wisdom to see. You must be familiar with the temples around Brisbane, Australia. The team you have brought to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre shows excellent judgment! I heard that after you saw the Namo Amituofo billboard on the highway, you decided to visit. You have been here once before and know that this is a place of true purity, unlike anything else in the world. I call you a person of great blessings because, before you even fully understood, you decided to bring nearly two hundred people to a temple far from your own. Although you did not initially realise this is where Namo Amituofo truly abides, your action has paved the way for many to see the Buddha. I am so happy for you; you must realise how precious this is!

I want to tell Venerable Fa Nan that you must seize this karmic opportunity. We are all people who chant the Buddha's name, wearing these monastic robes, all for the purpose of delivering ourselves to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and to deliver countless beings to be reborn there as well. By coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you have truly struck gold! You have not yet delved deeply enough. If you truly understand this place, you will know that you must follow the Buddha and learn the skills of practice. Where the Buddha truly resides, one can truly be free from aging, free from illness, and your spirit never dies. You must believe this.

Look at the former President of South Vietnam, Nguyen Van Thieu—you should know him, right? Fourteen years ago, he was guided by Practitioner Su to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Today, he watches over you and feels happy for you, that you have encountered the Buddha while you are still young and capable. This is an encounter difficult to find in millions of years! Venerable Fa Nan, you must promote this to the one hundred and ninety people who have come with you. Give everyone a chance to truly understand the Buddha’s teachings, a chance that can truly help people be reborn in the Western Pure Land! Do not let this opportunity slip away!"

Namo Amituofo."