Finding the True Purpose of Life

The Early Search for Meaning

I was born into a simple, honest family in the countryside of Changhua. As the eldest of five children, I learned the value of self-reliance from a very young age, working as a child labourer while still in primary school to help ease the burden on my parents. Because my parents were so sincere and straightforward, I grew up with a similarly honest and diligent nature. Growing up in a modest household, I harboured a strong desire to succeed and make something of myself. Once I entered school, I realised that learning was the key to unlocking my potential. Through years of dedicated study, I transformed from a simple village girl into a woman who understood how to observe the world with clarity and motivate herself to grow. I held firmly to the belief that learning is the best investment one can make and that wisdom is simply the accumulation of experience. Throughout my professional life, I was always proactive, positive, and fully committed to every environment I entered, which allowed me to grow rapidly. Although I was able to achieve financial success through my own efforts, my heart always felt empty. I found myself constantly travelling, seeking fulfilment in various spiritual courses and searching for inner wisdom. My journey took me to many places, including Mongolia, India, and Tibet, as I pursued the liberation of the spirit. I immersed myself in numerous body, mind, and spirit growth programmes, including:

• Dhyana meditation practices
• Gestalt therapy and hypnosis
• Family constellation therapy
• Professional counselling and communication skills
• Spiritual healing
• Integrity-based leadership training

These experiences were all part of an intense exploration of transformation and self-realisation, yet the inner void remained.

A Turning Point in the Fragrant Light

I also studied Zen and Esoteric Buddhism, but I was still searching for a place where my heart could truly be at peace—a place where I would no longer feel that persistent emptiness. Through the introduction of a friend, I met Practitioner Su. My friend described her as a leader of great integrity, and out of curiosity, I visited the Hsiang Kuang room. That meeting changed everything. I finally decided to stop my restless searching. At the time, I was working in administration at a school in the central-southern region. Every weekend, I would travel to the Hsiang Kuang room in Shiding to attend the Dharma assembly and listen to Practitioner Su give Dharma talks. Every session felt like discovering a precious treasure; it was as if my spirit were being refuelled. I would return to my workplace with renewed energy, and eventually, I stopped travelling abroad for other courses, choosing instead to focus entirely on this path.

The Embodiment of Namo Amituofo

Five years ago, I made a life-changing decision. I resigned from my position as a senior executive, leaving behind my professional titles to dedicate myself fully to my practice. I stayed by the side of Practitioner Su, listening to her teachings. Her compassion was evident in every aspect of her daily life, from her sincerity in dealing with others to her unwavering commitment to the practice of Namo Amituofo. She demonstrated these teachings through her own conduct, acting as a true representative of Namo Amituofo. In her, I saw the qualities of Namo Amituofo manifested: compassion, wisdom, courage, selflessness, equality, and a vast, inclusive heart. I admired her immensely. When I first began my practice here, I found it incredibly rigorous. We rose early, I never felt I had enough sleep, and we were forbidden from watching television, reading newspapers, or engaging in idle gossip. At first, I struggled to understand why it had to be so strict. However, after listening to the Dharma, I realised that this process is called purification. It is the method by which we truly purify our six sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind) so that we only perceive what is good and wholesome.

The Path to Buddhahood

As I continued on this path, my body, mind, and spirit became increasingly purified and sensitive. My daily lessons—prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, and reciting the Sutras—allowed me to immerse myself completely in the Dharma. Each day became fulfilling, and my heart grew more peaceful. I began to receive messages from the space around me, and I felt a profound connection with the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This deepened my faith in the compassion of Namo Amituofo and confirmed that the Western Pure Land is real. I often asked myself, What is the true purpose of my life? Through a wonderful set of Causal Conditions, I realised that life could be lived differently. I decided to become a nun to learn the spirit of Namo Amituofo: to be compassionate, wise, courageous, and to save all beings. After receiving the Three Platforms of Precepts, I understood the true mission of a Bhikshuni. It is not only to treat my own karmic creditors with kindness but also to treat all sentient beings with karmic affinity with compassion. It is to take up the responsibility of the Buddha’s work, ensuring that every thought and intention is focused on the benefit of all. I am deeply grateful for the Buddha’s compassion. I have officially become a Bhikshuni and have found the true goal of my life. I vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, to save all sentient beings, to cease all evil, to cultivate all Goodness, and to dedicate my life to the liberation of all. Namo Amituofo.

Hai Liang, with palms joined.