The Boundless Wealth of a Giving Heart

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Yangguang, 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 life approximately 1,675 years ago. It was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on December 23, 2018.

Venerable Yangguang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yangguang. From my earliest childhood, I was often regarded by others as a strange and peculiar child. My family lived in such dire poverty that we frequently went without a single meal, yet I possessed an irrepressible, burning urge to offer whatever little I had to those around me. My mother, often overwhelmed by our circumstances, would ask me with a sigh, 'Yangguang, if you were left with only the clothes on your back, would you still give them away to a stranger?' I would look at her with complete sincerity and tell her, 'Mother, as long as there is someone in need, I can give it to them! My own comfort is of no consequence.' She would shake her head in weary resignation, saying, 'My child, even if I were to earn a mountain of gold, it would never be enough to satisfy your desire to give everything away to others!'"

The Master's Prediction

"One day, a master highly skilled in the art of reading facial features arrived in our humble village from a distant land. He was deeply impressed by the serene scenery and the remarkably friendly atmosphere of our home. Every family in the village brought their children to him, hoping for a glimpse into their futures. The master would examine each child, reveal their destined path, and then emphasize that a significant sum of money was required to perform rituals to change their fate. Though the villagers were deeply saddened by the hardships predicted for their children, they were far too poor to pay for such corrections. They simply accepted their lot with heavy hearts, praying only that their children would grow up safe and sound.

I happened to pass by the crowd just as the master finished with the last child. He caught sight of me and asked in sheer astonishment, 'Which wealthy family does this child belong to? Why has he not come for a reading?' The villagers were stunned by his question. 'A wealthy family?' they echoed in disbelief. One woman laughed, 'Master, you must be joking! He is no child of wealth; he is a poor boy from a family even more destitute than our own.' The master looked at me more closely, his eyes widening, and insisted, 'I am not mistaken. This child is truly a person of great wealth.' The villagers were completely bewildered, unable to comprehend how a boy with nothing could be considered wealthy."

The True Meaning of Prosperity

"After the master's declaration, the villagers began to watch me with intense curiosity. They soon realized that although I had nothing, whenever I saw someone in need, I would immediately find something to give them. If someone gave me a gift, I would instantly pass it on to someone who needed it more. I kept nothing for myself. Yet, I was incredibly happy, living a clean and simple life. The villagers finally understood: 'It is selfless giving that brings true happiness! Happiness is the greatest wealth of all!' They realized that the master was right—my happiness was an inexhaustible treasure, and that was my true wealth.

One day, a great monk arrived to lecture on the Dharma. The villagers, still clinging to their belief in the fortune-teller's power, showed no interest. I was the only one who sat before the monk, listening intently to every word of the sutras. The monk said, 'The beings of this worldly realm are immeasurable. The Buddha can only save those with karmic affinity. Little Bodhisattva, your posture and focus in listening to the Dharma show you have great blessings. Today, the Buddha comes to save you. As long as you set your heart on it, you will surely be able to save immeasurable beings and become a Buddha.'"

The Path of Saving the World

"For an entire week, I never missed a single lecture. I cherished every moment, realizing that the Buddha's teachings were the only way to truly help people leave suffering behind. Before leaving, the monk told me, 'Little Bodhisattva, you are a child born to save the world. In your past lives, you practiced extensive Generosity. Even without anyone teaching you in this life, you naturally understood how to share everything you had. In truth, you were meant to be born into a wealthy family, but you chose this poverty so that you would not forget your vow to save the world. You know the suffering of life, and you know how to share. The merits and blessings from your past lives follow you, which is why you have an endless supply of things and happiness to give to others. Everyone who sees your joy feels a sense of delight.' I was deeply moved and told him, 'No one in this village knows the Dharma, and they suffer because of it. Now that I know the goodness of the Dharma, I will begin to give Namo Amituofo to everyone.'"

Transforming Karma Through Practice

"After the monk left, I practiced chanting Namo Amituofo with even greater diligence. I would often travel long distances over mountains and rivers just to hear a single sutra. I hoped to one day have the ability to use the Dharma to save sentient beings just as the monk did. I began to introduce the Dharma to my fellow villagers, telling them, 'You do not need to spend money on masters to change your fate. If you truly practice the Buddha's teachings, your destiny will transform.' This message attracted many women who longed to change their lives of poverty and ensure their children would not suffer as they had.

My teachings helped them understand that changing one's fate requires personal effort, not money. They began to chant Namo Amituofo, learning to transform their hearts and their karma. They learned that by opening their minds and helping those weaker than themselves, they could turn their lives around. They stopped hoarding and started sharing, realizing that holding onto things only keeps one trapped in the same cycle of scarcity."

A Life Dedicated to Deliverance

"At seventeen, I became a monk. I was grateful to reunite with my original teacher, who accepted me as his disciple. During my training, he tested me constantly to see if my resolve to save beings was genuine. No matter the challenge, my heart remained 'unmoved.' I had long ago let go of the illusions of this world. My master was pleased, knowing I was truly ready to deliver sentient beings.

When I returned to my village as a monk, the people were amazed at the power of the Dharma. I spent my life travelling everywhere, seeking to save as many beings as possible from the ocean of karma and the cycle of birth and death. At ninety-five, I sat before the Buddha and said, 'I am ready.' My disciples heard only those words, and then I was gone. They searched for me, but all they heard was a voice echoing: 'The Western Pure Land is not far; it is but a split second away. Life is an illusion. I am already in the West. My disciples, you must know the suffering of beings. Practice diligently, save beings, and guide them to the West. Do not waste this life. Namo Amituofo. Hahahaha!' With that, I returned to my true home, leaving behind ninety-five years of worldly life."

Gratitude for the Path Home

"I know the suffering of all beings, and how they spin in the cycle of rebirth. Because of Practitioner Su's leg injury, I and other venerable ones had the opportunity to return to this world to assist in the work of saving beings. I am profoundly grateful for this. The layers of space in the universe have been opened, and these spirits are waking up as if from a dream. Returning to the Western Pure Land, all past joys and sorrows have become mere illusions. The name Namo Amituofo truly leads all spirits back to their true home. I am grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo and the compassion of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."