From Forgotten Ancestor to the Western Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lu Zong, an ancestor of the Lu family, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life and the karmic connections spanning generations. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on May 6, 2022.

Lu Zong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. If one truly wishes to change the course of this life, one must begin by addressing the root cause. We are the ancestors of the current generation, and our connection is rooted in deep Causal Conditions. The emotional entanglements and complex relationships between descendants often stem from events in the distant past, creating ripples that continue to influence future generations. I am profoundly grateful to the Buddha, whose compassion has saved us. Only today have we been able to break free from the cycle of karma. Having been entangled in these karmic forces for so many years, the suffering was truly unbearable!"

A Forgotten Life and a Path to Liberation

"I am the ancestor whom Li Xiaoqing sought to find; my name is Lu Zong. In my time, I was a child bride sent into the Lu family. I did not live a happy life, and eventually, I was forgotten by all. No one remembered me, and no one knew my name. I am so joyful to have this opportunity to speak a few words today. I do not have much to say, but I am truly grateful to Xiaoqing for performing the Chao Du for me. If not for her persistence, I do not think I could have attained liberation so quickly.

During this series of eight Chao Du sessions, several other ancestors of the Lu family were also saved, though the majority were women. Perhaps these souls shared a similar depth of suffering to mine. When the great Dharma of Chao Du was presented, those of us who felt the resonance in our hearts were eager to come forward, yearning for liberation."

A Message to the Living

"Child—I hope I may call you that—you are still young and have a wonderful life ahead of you. You have such a precious opportunity to practise the Dharma; do not let your heart suffer any longer! You must step out of the shadows. Life is not defined solely by emotional attachments! I believe you understand this truth, but please, do not torment yourself. Having experienced so much myself, I wish to offer you this advice: 'What is meant to come will come, and what is meant to go will go.' You must cherish and seize this current opportunity to practice. This is the only way to save yourself; do not remain trapped in pain.

I have been practising here for some time now. I cannot resolve the collective karma of the Lu family for everyone. Within the lineage of the Lu ancestors, there are so many people across generations, but each individual is a life unto themselves, cycling through samsara. Therefore, we must all be clear-headed; every single life must find its own path to liberation."

Gratitude and the Journey Ahead

"Xiaoqing, I am truly grateful to you. You have helped us, the departed spirits, so much. All these merits are recorded within your life, and they have already resolved many of your spiritual obstacles. However, you must also learn to guard your own heart. The path ahead is still long. Until the moment of final liberation, I hope you can face any hardship with a positive mindset. Follow Practitioner Su closely! He can help you, and he will be the support you need in your life.

I must depart now. I am truly overjoyed to have arrived in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, grateful to Practitioner Su, grateful to the monastics, and I am grateful to you, Xiaoqing. I will never forget the kindness you have shown me. I believe that in the future, we will meet again in the Western Land.

Namo Amituofo. Lu Zong, with palms joined in prayer."