Reflections from the Western Pure Land: An Interview with Venerable Kuanxin

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Kuanxin, who resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. He reflects upon his journey, the nature of thought, and the profound achievements of Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on October 26, 2019.

Venerable HaiZe: Please, Venerable Kuanxin of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, accept this interview.

Venerable Kuanxin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Kuanxin has arrived.

Respected Master and Practitioner Su, I am Kuanxin. I never imagined that after all these years, Practitioner Su would still remember me. I feel deeply honoured! Everything that Practitioner Su has done for sentient beings is known throughout the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is especially true for all the sentient beings who have been guided to the Western Land by Practitioner Su, myself included.

The Power of Thought and the Nature of Karma

In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the moment a thought arises, the answer to that thought manifests instantly. It is a completely natural process. This is the true benefit of living in a land of absolute purity and goodness—every thought is crystal clear. It is not like the human world, where the Five Desires and Six Dusts create such confusion. In the human world, one must study and memorise just to remember things, and even then, one still forgets.

The simpler one’s heart, the purer and more unstained one’s thoughts become. Even if one is born carrying karma, as long as those thoughts are not stirred or triggered, that karma will not manifest. This is the power of thought. Whether one uses the power of thought to transform karma, or whether one allows a stirred thought to trigger the manifestation of karma, depends entirely on the depth of one’s attainment. Those who do not understand this principle are left to be dominated by their karma and suffer. However, those who understand this truth and can apply it skillfully to teach beings—to save themselves and save others—are truly wise.

The Lineage of Dharma and Practitioner Su's Achievement

I know that our Master once wrote about the power of thought to teach the faithful and those with karmic affinity. Yet, I wonder how many people truly believe it, let alone know how to apply it effectively. I know that Practitioner Su understands this very clearly, and she repeatedly reminds everyone to 'give rise to all roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi.' These are the words of Namo Amituofo from the sutras, advising all people in the world. A wise person should certainly take these words to heart and apply them well.

Master, as a resident of the Western Land, I must speak the truth. From my vantage point here, I see very clearly that in the human world, there are still many people—whether they are Dharma-protecting lay practitioners, followers, or even monastics—whose understanding is limited. They do not fully grasp the depth of spiritual attainment. They follow the teachings of their masters and hope that their spiritual achievements will grow, and many teachers are indeed doing their best to guide the masses. However, when it comes to the deeper levels of actual verification and practice, one requires a teacher who truly understands to provide the necessary validation.

A Witness to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

If a student can surpass their teacher, it is the teacher's greatest glory, and the teacher should be overjoyed. Everyone in the Western Land knows that Practitioner Su’s teacher is Venerable Master Chin Kung. Without the Master’s guidance, and without Practitioner Su’s willingness to listen, follow instructions, practise step by step, and honestly chant Namo Amituofo, she would not have achieved what she has today. She would not have been able to attain the status of an awakened being with a Dharma Body, capable of performing Chao Du to save immeasurable and boundless sentient beings, guiding them to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

When I passed away as a young monastic, although my fellow practitioners performed chanting to help me, to be honest, I was not successfully guided to the Western Land at that time. It was Practitioner Su, through the power of her vow and her Dharma Body, who sent me to the Western Land. For this, I am eternally grateful. Practitioner Su has earned her achievements today through her own tireless efforts; it is a well-deserved honour. Of course, this is also rooted in the deep, profound good roots from her past lives, which were awakened through the habit of listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma. It is the combination of these roots and her relentless perseverance in overcoming countless trials that has led to her success today.

Now, seeing Practitioner Su choose the land of Goombungee in Australia for group cultivation, and seeing it transform into the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre—with six bhikshus and seven bhikshunis all opening up the space to work alongside Namo Amituofo to teach and save sentient beings—it is truly no small feat! Master, you could visit this place yourself and you would know that what I say is true. I am not good with words; I am simply speaking the truth from my heart.

Practitioner Su’s achievements are the Master’s achievements. While ordinary people may not understand this, the Master certainly should. If my words have offended the Master in any way, I hope for your forgiveness! I, Kuanxin, have not been able to contribute even a fraction of effort to the transmission of the Pure Land teachings, but seeing my fellow practitioners and Practitioner Su doing their absolute best in their respective roles fills me with joy. Everything I have said today is the absolute truth.

I am grateful to the Master, grateful to Practitioner Su, and grateful to all my fellow practitioners.

Namo Amituofo.

Your foolish disciple, Kuanxin, from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."