A Legacy of Integrity and the Path to Enlightenment

This is a record of an interview with Lin Yong, a local official from the Ming Dynasty 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 life approximately 620 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on March 7, 2026.

Lin Yong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lin Yong. The world knows of Liu Yong, but few know that there was also a Lin Yong in the Ming Dynasty.

In the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I clearly listened to the interview with that later Prime Minister, Liu Yong—the famous 'Liu Luoguo'—and I found it absolutely fascinating. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is truly rare and difficult to encounter. It allows people to understand the state of spiritual life while in the human world and where one goes after death. This is what is called a 'spiritual interview.' It is an innate ability developed by the monastics at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre through their step-by-step, down-to-earth purification practice. They are not only able to converse with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas but can also communicate with all things and spirits. The layers of endless space covered by China's five thousand years of history, and the countless historical figures within them, have been opened up layer by layer through this compassionate act of Practitioner Su's deliverance of beings in mainland China. Although Lin Yong is not a famous historical figure, I am able to share my experiences through this magnificent Causal Condition, hoping to bring some reflection to the people of the world.

A Life of Integrity and Service

I am Lin Yong, born in the Ming Dynasty, and I served as a local official. I was extremely incorruptible in my governance, and history has recorded some of my deeds of integrity.

This was indeed my way of governing. I believed that those who are granted power should, in turn, become models for the people. Therefore, in my heart, every civilian was like my own child. 'Loving the people as one's own children' was the conviction I upheld.

In those days, because I was often away serving as a local official and could not return home, my wife travelled thousands of miles to visit me. To her surprise, she discovered that I was living a life of coarse clothing and frugal meals. This is not an exaggeration; I knew deeply that as a local official, if one cannot hold firm against the temptation of 'wealth,' one might leave loopholes for others to exploit. If that were to happen, I would lose my impartiality, and how then could I love the people as my own children?

The Foundation of Propriety

As an official, the most important thing is to repay the power granted by the nation and to manage the livelihoods of the people and the security of the region well. This was my duty. Therefore, no matter what, I refused to accept even the slightest bribe. Even if someone wanted to give my son a small snack or a minor gift, I would sternly refuse. I knew that 'a thousand-mile embankment can be destroyed by an ant hole; a ten-thousand-foot building begins from the ground.' Only by starting from small things and strictly demanding of myself could I possibly become a model for the people. One of the principles I used to govern was 'Li'—propriety. The laws of propriety were passed down from our Chinese ancestors, and I felt they contained the most profound wisdom and Truth.

I believed that if everyone could understand and uphold propriety, it would surely be a place of good order, prosperity, and peace for the people. Therefore, I always advocated for and actively promoted the concept of propriety to the people under my governance. In such an environment, I was even more cautious, not daring to violate the principles of propriety in the slightest, holding myself to the highest standards. It was because of this mindset and action that the story of 'Lin Yong Sending Away His Wife' came to be known by later generations.

Gratitude and the Discipline of the Heart

I am very grateful to my wife. In terms of the principles of propriety, a husband and wife should treat each other with the respect one shows a guest, and continue the family line; this is the principle of human relationships. My wife not only understood my style of governance but also identified with and supported it. I felt I was very fortunate. I was away from my hometown for many years, serving in distant lands, yet my wife never blamed me. Instead, she took great care of our son and raised him. I saw every bit of this.

Regarding the affairs between husband and wife, apart from continuing the family line, I believed it was unnecessary and that one should not indulge in carnal desires. Since ancient times, female beauty has often been accompanied by chaos. When people see beauty and become moved, their minds become restless and agitated, and naturally, they lose their composure and order in all things. Gradually, this leads to local chaos, and in extreme cases, national disaster. This can be seen from the Daji of the Shang Dynasty and the Xishi of the Wu State. Therefore, I was always cautious and fearful of this. My wife did not feel neglected; rather, she walked hand-in-hand with me, sharing the hardships of the times. Thus, I feel that if I have any small achievements, my wife deserves half the credit.

A New Beginning in the Dharma-Nature Land

Throughout my life, I worked diligently and fulfilled my duties. After death, I became a guardian spirit of the place I had governed, protecting the safety and welfare of the people. After 620 years, I finally encountered the Greatly Compassionate Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su in this lifetime, who saved my spirit from the cycle of reincarnation. Now, I am listening to the Dharma on a lotus seat in the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia.

To the current Lin Yong, Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are my teachers. In ancient times, there were rules of prostration for teachers; this was not for show, but a necessity. If there is no respect in one's heart, how can one learn the true skills that the teacher wishes to impart? Moreover, I now know that the Buddhist education at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is guided by Namo Amituofo, the most honoured among lights and the king among Buddhas. Those who believe and follow can receive the magnificent benefits of being free from aging, free from illness, and having a spirit that never dies, just like Practitioner Su. Such a great Dharma, such a mystery—this is what Practitioner Su calls the universal principles and the righteous path of Truth. If one cannot study with a heart of utmost sincerity, prostration, and respect, how can the Dharma enter the heart? It is impossible.

The Power of the Buddha-Name

Therefore, I know deeply that I must start learning again with the most respectful and humble heart. Now, every day in the Dharma-Nature Land, I chant 'Namo Amituofo' and earnestly listen to Practitioner Su's Dharma talks. The philosophy explained in the sutras seems simple but is profound and mysterious. Its scope is not limited to the human world but extends to the level of spiritual life.

The Confucian rules of propriety are actually in accordance with the principles governing the universe. However, the study of propriety is indeed tedious and detailed, requiring considerable teaching, environment, and conditions. In the initial stage of learning, if one cannot learn the propriety of external matters well, it is impossible to implement the propriety of the heart.

In terms of Buddhist education, there are no such complex matters. It uses the simplest method of the heart to bring out the principles of 'propriety,' and it is even more comprehensive than the 'propriety' spoken of by the Confucians. It is the universal principle and the righteous path of Truth. The key core lies in this holy name: 'Namo Amituofo.' As Practitioner Su says in his Dharma talks, this Buddha-name is 'Precepts'; it is pure and good. This is truly mysterious and inconceivable! Such a simple Buddha-name represents Infinite Light and Infinite Life, containing the universal Truth within it. If people can hold tightly to this 'Namo Amituofo,' chanting continuously without interruption, they can be in accordance with the Truth in every thought, and even their body, speech, and mind, as well as their words and deeds, can conform to the universal principles and the righteous path of Truth. It is no wonder that Practitioner Su has always emphasized the magnificence of this 'six-character great name' in his talks. I know now that I must cherish this Buddha-name! Taking advantage of the fact that I now know its preciousness, I will start from this very moment, chanting 'Namo Amituofo' honestly, one phrase after another. My heart is filled with Dharma joy! At the same time, I hope to introduce this great Dharma to more people, to express my gratitude to Namo Amituofo!

Practitioner Su has clearly unraveled the matters of cause and effect and taught the masses to start from this heart. Wow! The Buddha's teachings are truly the 'Dharma of the Heart'! Such a great Dharma can only yield magnificent benefits if one puts in the work bit by bit. Practitioner Su is one who has truly achieved this.

Will I be the next one? That is not yet known. But I know now: without a human body, there is no way to practise. Therefore, I make a vow in the Dharma-Nature Land to chant 'Namo Amituofo' and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When I descend from the West again, I hope to spread the great Pure Land Dharma and, like Practitioner Su, save countless suffering beings.

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo, gratitude to Practitioner Su!

Namo Amituofo.

Lin Yong"