The Giant's Vow: A Journey of Compassion

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Lan Xingfu, 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 1,700 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on August 14, 2018.

Venerable Lan Xingfu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lan Xingfu. From the time I was a small child, I held a singular, burning wish in my heart: I wanted to grow as tall as the sky itself. I wanted to be a protector, a shield for all the people of the world, so that no one would ever have to suffer the agony of disaster again.

A Childhood Forged in Famine

I was born during a period when our town was plagued by constant natural disasters. The people were exhausted, constantly busy with disaster relief, and praying to the heavens for mercy. We were all on the brink of starvation. When I was seven years old, I watched the servants in our home rushing back and forth, moving grain to be sent out to the victims in the town. My father was a minor official in the imperial court. Though his rank was not high, he was a man of profound integrity and duty. He often used his own money to provide relief to those in need. During those difficult times, he took full responsibility for the supply of grain, dry rations, and water. Whenever supplies ran low, he would travel to other towns to coordinate resources, doing everything in his power to ensure that no one in our town would go hungry.

My father’s compassion was a legacy passed down from my grandmother. She had grown up relying on the kindness of others, and she lived her entire life with a heart full of gratitude. She taught my father that as long as one has the ability, one must help others. My father taught me in the exact same way. From a young age, I accompanied him to disaster sites, using my own strength to assist those in need. Looking at the displaced townspeople, the impoverished families, and those suffering from severe illness and disability, I felt a deep, aching desire to do something more for them.

The Immortal’s Prophecy

Disasters continued to strike our town, and no one understood why. Then, one day, a man who called himself an 'Immortal' appeared in our town. He told the people, 'If you wish to end these disasters, someone must step forward and make a great vow—a vow to dedicate their life entirely to the people. The power of the merit from such a vow will naturally help the townspeople avoid future calamities.' The people listened, whispering and discussing among themselves.

I was only seven years old, but when I heard the Immortal’s words, I did not hesitate. I was the first to jump out in front of the crowd and shout, 'I am willing!' The entire square fell silent. I ran to the front and made my vow before the Immortal: 'I am Lan Xingfu, seven years old. I wish to grow as tall as the sky so that I have the immense power to help people. When the sky threatens to collapse, I will hold it up for everyone. When the heavy rains come, I will hold everyone tightly in my arms, protecting them like a giant.' The Immortal smiled and nodded, saying, 'This is the child.' The people around us looked at each other in shock. A woman remarked, 'He is just a child speaking nonsense; why would the Immortal take him seriously?' The townspeople agreed, believing the Immortal was merely mocking us, and they soon dispersed.

The Power of a Vow

Miraculously, from the day I made that vow, the disasters in our town ceased. This magical phenomenon left everyone in complete astonishment. From that day on, I searched for ways to save the people. I trained my body, determined to build the energy required to help more beings. Although my father had some wealth, I knew that money could not solve everything. My faith and vow to save others were firm; I believed that I would eventually find the best way to help everyone.

I took the money my father gave me and began to travel, searching for half a year, yet I could not find a true method. One day, exhausted, I fell asleep on a large rock by the roadside. In my dream, I saw a lotus flower, crystal clear and emitting a refreshing fragrance, with my name, 'Xingfu,' written upon it. Then, a grand and dignified temple appeared. The monastics were gathered together, and one monk, who was exceptionally tall, stood out among them. His stature was greater than everyone else's, and his face was filled with dignity. I looked closely and realised that this monk’s face was exactly the same as mine! Startled, the vision vanished, and I awoke on the rock. I was convinced that this was the Buddha and Bodhisattvas helping me, so I began to search for this magnificent temple.

The Path to the Dharma

It took me three years to find that temple. Those three years were filled with countless obstacles, all testing the sincerity of my vow. I did not give up because of the setbacks I encountered, and that persistence allowed me to find the temple from my dream. When I finally saw it, the sky above was filled with seven-colored light, auspicious dragons appeared, and the air around the temple was fragrant. I walked inside and heard the monastics chanting the name of 'Namo Amituofo.' The sound of the Buddha-name carried infinite compassion, deeply capturing my heart. I stood behind the master, listening quietly. The flowers and grass swayed with the rhythm of the chanting, and butterflies and birds gathered to share in the Buddha-music.

When the master stopped chanting, he turned slowly and said to me, 'The little Bodhisattva has finally arrived.' I was stunned and asked, 'Did you know I would come here?' The master replied, 'You have passed the tests of the last three years. I allow you to stay in the temple to learn the Buddha’s teachings. Are you willing?' I answered without hesitation, 'I am willing!'

Diligent Practice and Saving Beings

In the temple, I practised with great diligence. Whatever the master required, I completed it earnestly, often doing two or three times more than asked. I never calculated how much I had learned or what I had gained. I followed the master with a heart free of attachments, knowing that in this life, I must possess the strength of a giant to help all beings. Twenty years later, I was qualified to be ordained as a Bhikshu, a status granted only after passing the master's rigorous examinations. My intense desire to save the world gave me the perseverance to advance on the Buddha’s path. In less than three years of practice, my achievements surpassed those of fellow practitioners who had been there for ten years. Yet, I did not focus on this. I constantly reminded myself: the responsibility is great, and there is no time for laziness, nor time for my own habits to hinder my practice.

When I returned to my hometown, the people were amazed by my tall stature. Seeing me as a monk, preaching the Dharma with such dignity, they believed the Immortal’s words were true. I brought the Buddha’s teachings to them, helping them to chant the Buddha’s name, learn the Dharma, and transform themselves. They began to chant Namo Amituofo, eliminate their karmic obstacles, and seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I fulfilled my vow in that life, saving beings every single day. At the end of my life, I returned gloriously to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to meet Namo Amituofo, forever grateful for his great compassion.

The Vast Reach of Practitioner Su

Today, the scope of Practitioner Su’s Chao Du is even broader. Many planets outside our Milky Way have also received her deliverance. These planets, which I had never seen before, are quite unique. The beings living there have volatile temperaments—sometimes good, sometimes bad—and they have never known what 'stillness' is, often living in a state of restless agitation. Today, the Buddha-light shines upon these unstable, strange planets. The Buddha-name brings a powerful, calming energy to them. Their previously erratic orbits have gradually returned to a state of stability. The beings on these planets had never heard the name 'Namo Amituofo' before, and they were deeply moved by the stability brought by the Buddha-name. The warmth of the Buddha-light is like a pair of great hands, warmly embracing them. These beings had never felt such gentleness and compassion before.

Now, the name 'Namo Amituofo' has spread to these strange planets. They cherish this Buddha-name deeply, feeling the energy and stability it brings. They are grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, and they are grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."