The Deliverance of Souls Lost to Suicide
An Interview with Venerable Yongning
Recorded by Shi Fajing on February 17, 2023
This interview was recorded on February 17, 2023, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Venerable Yongning, a dedicated monastic who seeks deliverance through the teachings of the Pure Land school, shares profound insights into the spiritual state of those who have taken their own lives and the compassionate work of Practitioner Su in guiding these suffering spirits toward the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Today, I wish to share further insights regarding the practice of . Many people still do not fully grasp the true significance of this deliverance. They are unaware that without the assistance of power from the human world, these beings in the spiritual realms have almost no opportunity to escape their plight. Most of them remain trapped in endless suffering. This is especially true for those residing in realms of retribution or the hells, where the agony is beyond description."
The Compassionate Power of Practitioner Su
"Practitioner Su possesses the , which allows him to travel freely to and from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. He can also utilise his Body to guide spirits back to that pure realm. Consequently, during our , we frequently witness deceased persons and even hell guards being led to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the agency of Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body. It is truly magnificent.
Every time I witness these spirits being saved by Practitioner Su and escaping their confined spaces, I am filled with an indescribable sense of gratitude. If not for Practitioner Su, they would truly still be suffering. It is because of his compassionate vow that these spirits can find liberation. Therefore, these beings feel immense gratitude toward both Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su."
The Rarity of Human Life
"How long must a spirit wander in the cycle of rebirth before they have the chance to obtain a human body again and be reborn into this world? It varies depending on each individual's , , and Causal Conditions. However, what we do know is that obtaining a human body is by no means an easy task; the opportunity is incredibly slim. From this, we can realise that the human body is extremely precious. Everyone should seize the time they have while possessing this rare human form to elevate their own spirituality, so as not to waste the opportunity that arose from such infinitesimal odds.
Today, I once again witnessed many realms of those who have committed suicide. Most humans who choose suicide do so because they cannot overcome the obstacles in their lives or are attempting to escape the difficulties they face. From a spiritual perspective, they are often subjected to significant interference from other spirits and the relentless pursuit of their own . This places them under extreme mental pressure and torment. They are repeatedly controlled, unable to overcome the anguish in their hearts, and ultimately choose the path of suicide. Furthermore, from the past until now, we can see that the number of people choosing suicide is increasing."
Trapped in Eternal Recurrence
"Looking into these spiritual spaces, one can see that the spirits of those who chose suicide continue to suffer after death. Most of them remain in their original spaces, continuously repeating the act of suicide. There are exceptions, of course—some are in different spaces, perhaps influenced by the thoughts they held at the time of their passing or manipulated by karmic creditors. Regardless of the location, they are all suffering the same agony.
The Buddha-light and the sound of the Buddha-name brought by Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body open these various suicide realms. Those with the necessary karmic affinity are able to obtain deliverance, while those whose conditions are not yet ripe must wait. Regardless, today I saw these suicide victims from many different spaces. Every single spirit had a face that was grey, pained, and hideously distorted by suffering. They were still trapped in the past, unable to escape the space of their own suicide."
to
"When Practitioner Su’s golden light arrives, these spirits of suicide awaken. Initially, many do not even know what has happened to them; many do not even realise they have committed suicide. They have simply been drifting in that space. When the Buddha-light brought by Practitioner Su reaches them, they finally regain clarity, and they weep, begging the Buddha for salvation.
Every spirit in these realms who seeks help is deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. Many weep uncontrollably with emotion, while others have suffered so much that they are unable to speak. Under the deliverance of Practitioner Su, these spirits from suicide realms who have the karmic affinity are saved in large groups. Across different eras and different spaces, they are all able to escape and no longer endure such suffering.
Only through Chao Du can we save beings and help them leave suffering behind. I will continue to study diligently, striving to help more beings escape their confined spaces. Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Yongning
The Path to a Pure Heart
Venerable Yongning discusses the profound necessity of purifying the heart, explaining how the depth of one's practice is determined by the degree to which one can relinquish the self and worldly attachments.
The Transformation from Demon to Practitioner
Venerable Yongning shares his profound journey from a powerful demon to a dedicated practitioner, reflecting on the transformative power of the Dharma and the moment he was subdued by Practitioner Su.
The Prison of a Stubborn Heart
Venerable Yongning explores the destructive nature of stubbornness, revealing how a rigid heart traps spirits in cycles of suffering and how letting go is the only path to liberation.
Transcending the Cycle of Suffering
Venerable Yongning reflects on the root causes of human suffering, the profound regret of spirits trapped in the cycle of rebirth, and the path to liberation through repentance and chanting Namo Amituofo.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library