A Father's Final Guidance from the Western Pure Land

Lay Practitioner Lin Yongzheng, the father of Lay Practitioners Lin Hongfei, Lin Honglin, and Lin Honggen, sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Having been successfully guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, he shares his testimony to urge his children and all sentient beings to cherish their lives and practise the Buddha’s teachings. This interview was recorded by Chief Writer Shi Fajing on October 13, 2023.

Lay Practitioner Lin Yongzheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. I have finally been delivered from my suffering.

Throughout my entire life, I never once studied the Buddha's teachings. I had no understanding of the Dharma, and frankly, I did not feel that it was necessary to study it. Now, I realise that it was because I lacked the blessings to hear the Buddha's teachings. Those who truly possess great blessings will know the importance of studying the Buddha's teachings and seeking rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, so that their spirits do not have to endure such agony. However, this is not something one can simply demand; it depends on the blessings one has cultivated in past lives and the present, and whether one has the karmic affinity with the Buddha to encounter the Dharma and understand the necessity of practice.

The Weight of Unresolved Karma

Every one of us has created karma. Even though I did not commit any major evil deeds in this life, the karma from my past lives remained unresolved. After I passed away, I was pulled by the force of my own karma to suffer the consequences. It was painful—truly, it was agonising. Fortunately, I still possessed enough blessings to be rescued by Practitioner Su, which allowed me to attain liberation. Without that, I have no idea how much longer I would have been trapped in that cycle of suffering.

My sons do not yet have sufficient blessings; they do not know the importance of studying the Buddha's teachings, thinking it is irrelevant. They do not realise that once this physical body stops breathing, the spirit begins to feel the weight of regret. Everyone has their own karma to repay, and my children are no exception. However, I truly hope that while you still possess your physical bodies, you will strive to repay your own karma.

A Plea to My Children

You may not understand what Practitioner Su does here, but even if you do not understand, you must believe. Your father has truly been guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you use your hearts to connect with this truth, perhaps you will be able to feel it. You must believe that the Buddha truly exists, and you must seize the opportunity while the Buddha is present in this world to help your karmic creditors leave suffering behind. If your karmic creditors can be delivered from their suffering, you yourselves will not fall ill.

Here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I have witnessed so many things that would be difficult for you to believe, yet they are all happening in reality. Those who can believe are truly the ones with great blessings. Even if you do not yet have the karmic affinity to study the Buddha's teachings, that is alright. However, you must perform more good deeds and help others whenever you can. There are many good deeds to be done in this world, and this is what I, your father, hope you will do.

With deepest reverence, Lin Yongzheng."

Namo Amituofo.