A New Dragon King’s Gratitude

This is a record of an interview with the new Dragon King of the South Sea, who currently resides in the South Sea and sought deliverance and guidance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He reflects upon the transition of leadership and the miraculous events that led his predecessor to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on February 27, 2020.

The New Dragon King of the South Sea speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am the newly appointed Dragon King of the South Sea. Today, Practitioner Su has granted me this precious opportunity to be interviewed, and I am filled with immense gratitude. It is because Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are now known throughout the underworld, the heavenly realms, and even the vastness of the Dharma Realm—there is no one who has not heard of them. One after another, events that were once unheard of or considered impossible have now manifested before our very eyes. One cannot help but feel a deep sense of reverence from the bottom of one's heart."

A Legacy of Leadership and Transition

"The former Dragon King of the South Sea was my predecessor; he had lived for five thousand seven hundred years. I am a junior, having lived for four thousand three hundred years. I was humbled when the former Dragon King, out of his kindness and trust, entrusted me with the heavy responsibility of managing the South Sea Dragon Palace and its vast maritime territories. I accepted this duty with great trepidation and care.

"My predecessor and the Dragon Kings of the other three seas worked in coordination with Practitioner Su to fulfill the prayers for rain in Goombungee and Toowoomba, Australia, successfully ending the severe droughts there. During the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, they were granted the grace of Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, who performed Chao Du to guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I, along with many whales, sharks, fish, civil and military officials, and the shrimp and crab soldiers of the Dragon Palace, stood by to witness the ceremony. It was a magnificent scene.

"I personally witnessed a brilliant golden light manifest before us—it was the light emitted by Namo Amituofo and the various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The radiance illuminated everything. My predecessor and his entourage, along with the Rain God, Thunder God, Lightning God, and Wind God, all entered into that golden light together. The scale of the event was grand, and it was deeply moving to behold."

The Plight of Marine Life

"The South Sea region is situated at the intersection of many oceans and landmasses. Maintaining the peace of the earth, water, fire, and wind in these areas is the primary responsibility of the Dragon King of the South Sea. Under the management of my predecessor, everyone lived in peace and contentment. However, throughout the changes of history, the struggles between different dynasties and nations over maritime sovereignty have often triggered wars and turmoil, causing significant harm to marine life and the creatures of the sea.

"Wherever there is life, there is spirit. Marine products and all sea creatures are living beings. Nowadays, people have a very weak concept of cherishing life. They often capture and kill in massive quantities just to satisfy their appetite for non-vegetarian food. Every time we hear the cries of these suffering creatures and find ourselves powerless to resist, it truly breaks our hearts! Although, in terms of the Buddha’s teachings, this is also the karmic retribution of the cycle of rebirth, and if the victimised creatures—the shrimp, shellfish, and fish—had this understanding, they might be able to face these changes with more equanimity. Nevertheless, I still implore people to show mercy. I appeal to everyone: please cultivate a heart of compassion and do not over-fish or indiscriminately harm living beings. As for us managers, no matter what happens, we will do our utmost to protect the safety of our living subjects and minimise this suffering. This is our duty in the present age."

The Path to the Western Pure Land

"Regarding the recent rain-making efforts, my predecessor personally went to the local area several times to investigate, which we found to be very unusual. In the past, it was always the subordinates who went first to inspect the terrain and the actual situation, reporting back before we adjusted our actions accordingly. In reality, these processes could have been handled by us, but this time, my predecessor handled every detail himself, regardless of whether it was large or small. Later, we learned that this was because it was requested by Practitioner Su, who promised that if the mission was successful, he would send my predecessor and his subjects to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

"This was a matter of supreme importance! We understand how remote, noble, and rare the Western Pure Land and Namo Amituofo are. Rebirth in the Western Pure Land is something that countless beings dream of! Because the event was taking place at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—the very place where Namo Amituofo resides—and because success meant the possibility of going to the Western Land, even we did not dare to be careless. We followed my predecessor, working with extreme caution and cooperation. Finally, through everyone's joint efforts, the task of Practitioner Su’s rain-making and drought-relief mission was completed. Now, my predecessor, his family, and his subjects are already members of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, becoming subjects under the seat of Namo Amituofo. To attain Buddhahood is truly a joyous and celebratory event; everyone in the Dragon Palace is overjoyed by this!"

A Flow of Wisdom in the Turbid World

"Because I accepted this interview, I have had the opportunity to listen to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks at the temple, becoming one of the many listeners present. Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks are indeed rich in both principle and practice. Every word and sentence is a manifestation of Wisdom, stirring the hearts of the people. In particular, he resolves the confusion in the hearts of the masses, points directly to the human heart, and guides us in the methods of practice to realise one's true nature. He exposes the truth of the human reality of birth, aging, sickness, and death in a single phrase.

"Those who listen carefully will be awakened and gain insights, all receiving the magnificent benefits of the Dharma. This is a clear stream in the Five Turbidities and Evil World, capable of sweeping away all defilements. Being able to participate in the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies for rebirth in the Western Pure Land is truly a skillful means provided by the Buddha, who has opened the gate of compassion wide to save suffering spirits. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this assembly."

"I am grateful for the Buddha’s compassion! I am grateful for the grace of Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and all the virtuous ones at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre."

"Namo Amituofo."