The Immortal Zhao Huiling’s Request for Spiritual Deliverance

A Connection Spanning Centuries

The spirit of the Immortal, Zhao Huiling, appeared during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony to seek spiritual deliverance. She revealed herself to be the past-life master of Venerable Fa Wei. For hundreds of years, she has followed her disciple, watching over his progress across many lifetimes. She described him as a gentle soul, possessing a compassionate and kind nature. While he may appear simple to others, she knows that he understands the profound truths of the world. She observed that although he possesses a stubborn streak, he is not one to cause harm to others. Having recognized this trait centuries ago, she knew he would return to this world as a human. She waited patiently for this opportunity, hoping that he would one day lead her to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, as she could not reach it on her own.

People often refer to me as an Immortal, and there are temples dedicated to me in many streets and alleys. Most people call me Immortal He, but in truth, that is not my surname. My surname is Zhao. Although no one has ever addressed me by this name, it is of little consequence. There are many temples dedicated to various Immortals of different surnames, and the concept of an Immortal may be unfamiliar to many, but it does not matter; I am here to share my story with you all.

The Limitations of the Taoist Path

It is true that I was a practitioner of the Tao. Our master, the grand-master of Venerable Fa Wei, was an immortal from the heavens who descended to teach me the inner secrets of the Tao. I was an exceptionally diligent student, always putting in double the effort required to master the teachings. The heart-methods I learned within the Tao are, in essence, quite similar to what the Buddha taught regarding the regulation of the mind. I spent my years in the mountains and forests, cultivating my practice. Even as a young girl, I possessed a unique destiny often described as having the spirit of an immortal. After approximately ten years of study, I left my master to travel the world, offering healing and help to those in poverty or distress. The lineage of my master was pure, and it was his expectation that I should assist those in need. Consequently, I formed many karmic affinities within the mundane world.

My skills were rooted in the fact that I had attained the Tao, although my level of attainment was not the highest—it was what is known as the second level of heaven. Upon the completion of my worldly life, I was able to ascend to that realm. In reality, I had simply become an immortal like my master, possessing a lifespan of over a thousand years. Yet, in the end, it was not the ultimate truth. I was clearly aware that the Buddha’s teachings spoke of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I knew that it was truly magnificent, but I lacked the means to enter it.

The Story of Yinglian

During my travels, I encountered a crying baby girl in a village. Sensing a deep karmic affinity, I could see the child's past and her future potential to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I took the child under my wing, naming her Yinglian. Yinglian possessed a very dignified presence. Despite her training, Yinglian faced many karmic obstacles, particularly those involving emotional entanglements. The spirit watched with a heavy heart as her beloved disciple suffered, unable to complete her path to the Tao in that lifetime. However, I never lost faith in the future I had foreseen. I watched over Yinglian from the heavens, waiting for the moment when my disciple would finally encounter the Buddha’s teachings. I saw that this current lifetime was the culmination of those past connections, leading my disciple to this very place to encounter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The karmic affinity that brought my disciple to this place was established long before I met Yinglian, through her past practice of saving the world. That merit has always remained, and it is only in this lifetime that it has finally come to fruition. It was worth the wait; as long as one can reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, everything is well.

Protecting the Wisdom-Life

My child, today you go by a different name, and although your dignity is not as it once was, you have been through the wringer in this lifetime. As your master, I have been by your side throughout this life. My appearance today is to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and also to entrust you to the Buddha with peace of mind. I understand that you have endured great hardship in this life, so I have always protected your wisdom-life, finally guiding you to this centre. You must cherish this magnificent opportunity. Deep within you lies the potential to be developed, and I am fully aware of all that you are. Practise diligently and do not overthink; let go of all unnecessary entanglements so that you may be purified. Open your heart and mind to practise here. Only by being completely transparent will you avoid suffering a loss, for suffering a loss here means failing to acquire the necessary skills. If you are willing to return yourself to the zero point—which means fully accepting yourself and committing to self-transformation—and if you believe in the guidance of Practitioner Su and follow the steps forward without haste, you will make progress. Do not let your mind wander; simply empty it, and you will achieve purification. I have observed the energy field of this centre; it is a magnificent, holy place. You must achieve success here. It is an opportunity that has taken many lifetimes to manifest; it would be a great pity not to cherish it.

A Call to Diligent Practice

In this life, you have become a monastic, and I am very happy for you. Venerable Fa Wei, you must listen to the words of the Buddha. Whatever the Buddha says, you must carry it out. No matter how difficult it may be, you must overcome it. Being attached to one’s own self is a heavy burden, and I believe you are well aware of your own attachments and personality. Only through gradual learning and adjustment can you improve. Learning the Buddha’s teachings cannot be rushed; it is far more challenging than the path of the Tao. Practise well, purify yourself, and find your true self again. Hundreds of years ago, you were an eminent monk; do not let this hard-won affinity go to waste. You may have already seen the value of this place; it is a Dharma affinity accumulated over many lifetimes. You must reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Before that, you must recover your skills. Do not let this lifetime pass by in vain. You should make a great effort, exert your skills, and save the world. As your master, I believe you can do it.

My name is Zhao Huiling, also known as Immortal Zhao. Together with my three thousand disciples and followers, I humbly request Chao Du. Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple, Venerable Fa Xi.