From Ancient Tree to Prison Guard: A Journey of Liberation

This is a record of an interview with Lin Haichang, who sought deliverance 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 long journey through the cycle of rebirth. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on February 4, 2024.

Lin Haichang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for his compassionate vow, which has granted us this rare and magnificent opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and finally escape the cycle of rebirth. Samsara is truly, profoundly painful. Yet, so many people are trapped within this suffering without even realising it; it is absolutely pitiful. Having experienced the cycle of rebirth myself, I feel this suffering deeply, and I have made a vow to save others.

I am so thankful to Practitioner Su for his compassionate aid in helping us reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I will continue to practise with even greater diligence. On behalf of all the prison guards, I bow in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

A Life of Ordinary Struggles

In the past, I was not anyone of great fame; I simply lived an ordinary life. However, the suffering inherent in the cycle of rebirth made me exceptionally clear-headed, driving me to seek a path to liberation. In my previous lives, I wandered aimlessly on the path of samsara, unable to perceive the true meaning of life. Through the passage of time, I was once a tree, standing tall amidst the ages, yet I lost myself in the confusion of my own thoughts. After a thousand years, I finally awakened to the laws of karma and cause and effect. I understood that the records of samsara are merely traces left behind, and within the cycle of cause and effect, there is a constant, alternating experience of bitter fruits and blessings.

The Transformation of a Soul

Long ago, I was an ancient tree growing in a mysterious forest. My branches swayed in the wind, witnessing countless sunrises and sunsets, enduring the frost, snow, and rain. In that forest, I felt the pulse of life and watched the cycle of birth and death of all things. However, after a thousand years, the turning point of my destiny arrived. One day, the hands of a woodcutter reached for me. I was felled, and in an instant, I transformed from a tree into timber. Although my physical form did not feel pain, my spirit was shaken by this ruthless change, falling into a void of bewilderment.

Amidst this impermanence, I realised I had been crafted into a string of prayer beads, used by a devout monk. These beads accompanied the monk in his daily practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. Every single Buddha-name was like a force of purification, allowing my spirit to feel a glimmer of peace. I began to understand that this was a power of transformation, a form of constant transcendence within life. In the hands of the monk, I lived through the days and nights of the temple, witnessing the faith and ascetic practices of sentient beings. Whenever the monk chanted the Buddha-name, I felt a breakthrough power, as if every chant was washing away the dust of my past lives.

Awakening to the Past

As time passed, I spent years in the monk's hands. The power of purification gradually accumulated, making me feel a serenity that transcended the mundane world. I gradually awakened, understanding the value of my existence and searching for my own path to liberation. The many sounds of chanting awakened my long-dormant spirit. I began to realise the fact that I had entered a new space, and I remembered my past. Once, I too had been a monastic.

In those past days, I would always sit under a large tree, lost in thought, watching that very tree. Little did I know that one day, I would become that tree. At that time, my practice of chanting the Buddha-name had not yet gained strength; instead, I was trapped within my own thoughts, unable to find liberation. My master often reminded me: 'Practice does not allow for impatience. Every life has its own time to mature.' Looking back on those years, my heart is filled with endless sorrow. I am saddened by how I ended up in such a state today.

The Courage to Change

Just as I shed tears of sadness, a voice suddenly resonated from within my heart: 'Since you have awakened, now is the beginning of change.' Upon hearing this message, I became clear-headed once more. I told myself in my heart: 'Yes! I must start to change.' My heart swelled with immense courage, and I decided to make a great breakthrough to seek the path of liberation. Thus, amidst the orbit of samsara, I practised diligently, pursuing liberation. As time flowed on, I received an opportunity to be reborn, returning to the human world. I was determined to change myself and no longer be trapped by attachments.

In the human world, I had a brand-new identity: Lin Haichang. During my growth, I met a wise person who taught me to practise Generosity and to work hard to change my destiny. Consequently, I embarked on the path of giving, passing on care and Wisdom to those in need. In this lifetime, I was determined to work hard and never again let myself fall into the bitter fruits of samsara. I spoke to myself: 'In this life, I must do my utmost to change myself and seek liberation.' My heart seemed to respond with a voice: 'The transformation of destiny depends on your practice. Through the act of giving, you will find true freedom.'

A Final Opportunity for Deliverance

I performed good deeds and accumulated merits in the human world, finding a path of liberation for my spirit. Samsara was no longer a shackle of fate, but an opportunity for transformation. I deeply realised that the change in life stems from inner awakening and unremitting effort. I made many changes in this life; it was as if a force of transformation was constantly guiding me, leading me forward step by step. I also took refuge in the Buddha’s gate again, practising diligently and moving forward toward the path of liberation.

I am very grateful that I could have this opportunity in this life to change, learn, and grow. I cherish it immensely and have used all my strength to break through the limitations of life. When I reached the end of my life, I knew I had done my best and had no regrets. After passing away, my spirit arrived in the underworld, experiencing countless cycles of rebirth. I knew this station was my important period of liberation. When the King of Hell assigned me the task of serving sentient beings, I was very grateful for his arrangement and told myself to fulfil my duties and work actively. In the years of serving in the palace of the King of Hell, I saw the suffering of many beings in samsara, all of which made me more clear-headed and firm in my desire to escape the cycle of rebirth.

When I first listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, I felt a deep shock in my heart, for I firmly believed this was the Truth and understood that this was my only door to liberation. From then on, I practised with diligence, constantly listening to the teachings of Practitioner Su, humbly absorbing every precious principle, and cherishing this rare opportunity. Finally, today, I have the fortune to obtain the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, for which I feel deeply precious and full of gratitude. I vow to use this opportunity in the future to save more sentient beings, leading them to embark on the path of liberation together. Lin Haichang, on behalf of all the prison guards and sentient beings with karmic affinity, bows in gratitude for the Buddha’s grace and the grace of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Lin Haichang, with palms joined."