Revered Ones
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The Wisdom of the Simple-Minded: An Interview with Venerable Yanfan
An Interview with Venerable Yanfan, a Practitioner from Two Hundred and Seventy Years Ago
Born with a simple mind and often called 'A-Dai' (The Fool), Yanfan's life was defined by a profound, innate compassion for all living beings. From his early days of releasing livestock to his eventual transformation into a venerable monk, his journey illustrates how a sincere heart, when guided by the Dharma, can transcend even the greatest limitations.
Creating Destiny and Transforming One's Life
An Interview with the Spirit of Lin Shan, a Venerable from 650 Years Ago
Lin Shan, a wanderer who lost his parents at age four, shares his journey from a life of hardship to becoming a compassionate practitioner. Through the wisdom of a village elder and the eventual encounter with the Dharma, he learned that true destiny is not fixed, but transformed through the practice of equality, compassion, and the pursuit of liberation.
The Solitary Boat: A Journey Toward Enlightenment
An Interview with the Venerable Yin Cheng
Born into a family fated to have no descendants, Yin Cheng chose a path of solitude and reflection. From his early days of sharing his gifts with his village to his eventual renunciation of the world, his life became a testament to the power of a pure heart and the vow to save all sentient beings.
The Path of Selfless Devotion and Awakening
An Interview with the Venerable Fang Ping from Three Centuries Ago
A reflection on the life of Venerable Fang Ping, who transitioned from a humble childhood to becoming an elder in the Buddhist community, guided by the teachings of the Buddha and the spirit of selfless service.
The Healing Power of the Buddha-Name
An Interview with Feng An, a Healer from Five Centuries Ago
Feng An, a gifted healer from five centuries ago, shares his journey from a prideful young prodigy to a compassionate practitioner who realised that the ultimate medicine for all suffering is the holy name of Namo Amituofo.
The Karmic Debt of a Lifetime
An Interview with the Venerable Fan Xi (320 Years Ago)
A young child haunted by nightmares of headless ghosts discovers the profound truth of karmic retribution. Through the guidance of a monk and the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, Fan Xi embarks on a journey of repentance and deliverance, eventually dedicating his existence to saving sentient beings alongside Practitioner Su.
The Wisdom of Correction and Compassion
An Interview with the Venerable Luobina of 1,450 Years Ago
Luobina, a man of extraordinary perception and deep Buddhist training, recounts how he used the Dharma to transform a would-be assassin into a practitioner, ultimately leading to his own path of monastic life and the salvation of countless beings.
The Archer Who Refused to Kill
An Interview with the Spirit of Tianxiang
This is a record of an interview with Tianxiang, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 1,540 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on February 22, 2019.
The Greatest Gift: A Path to Liberation
An Interview with the Venerable Liu Qingyuan
Venerable Liu Qingyuan recounts his transformation from a destitute, wandering orphan into a dedicated monastic, illustrating how the simple, profound power of the Buddha-name can alter the destiny of an entire household and lead to ultimate liberation.
Turning Back from the Abyss
An Interview with the Venerable Mukong
Born into wealth and privilege, Mukong squandered his life in indulgence and gambling until he hit rock bottom. This is the story of his transformation from a prodigal son to a dedicated practitioner, and his eternal gratitude to the one he once bullied.
The Kind Heart of Venerable Zhishan
An Interview with the Venerable Zhishan from Sixteen Centuries Ago
Born into a fishing village, Venerable Zhishan reflects on his upbringing, his mother's devotion to Namo Amituofo, and the lifelong path of compassion that led him to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Return of the Ancient Monk
An Interview with the Spirit of Ru Che (2,400 Years Ago)
This is a record of an interview with Ru Che, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Dharma Nature. This account reflects upon his life approximately 2,400 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on February 17, 2019.