The Jade Emperor's Gratitude: Practitioner Su's Rain-Making

This is a record of an interview with the new Jade Emperor, who succeeded the previous ruler of the Trayastrimsa Heaven after his Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. The interview reflects on the miraculous rain brought to the Toowoomba region and the profound grace of Namo Amituofo. Recorded by the editorial team on February 24, 2020.

The New Jade Emperor speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am the newly appointed Jade Emperor, known in the human world as the Heavenly Emperor or the Heavenly Lord. In the Buddha’s teachings, I reside in the second heaven, the Trayastrimsa Heaven, as the King of the Devas, Shakra Devanam Indra. My predecessor, the former Jade Emperor, was guided to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss following the rain-making request by Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Through the compassionate intervention of Namo Amituofo, the rain fell in abundance, successfully ending the severe drought and the devastating bushfires that plagued Goombungee, Toowoomba, and the surrounding regions. Alongside the Dragon Kings of the East, West, South, and North Seas, as well as the deities of rain, thunder, lightning, and wind, the former Jade Emperor fulfilled the promise of bringing rain during the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, presided over by Namo Amituofo himself. He was then received by the Buddha and led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Celestial Farewell

"Many of us—celestial deities, heavenly soldiers, and generals—stood by to witness this magnificent event. We watched with awe as we respectfully sent off the former Jade Emperor, the Dragon Kings, and the various nature deities, along with their subjects, as they were welcomed by the radiant light of Namo Amituofo. The scene was truly extraordinary. We, the observers, could not help but kneel in reverence, filled with joy that our primary deities had successfully attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

A Profound Debt of Gratitude

"We are deeply grateful to Practitioner Su and the esteemed practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Do you realise, Practitioner Su, and all you respected practitioners, that through the teachings, the chanting of memorial tablets, and the continuous recitation of the Buddha-name during the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, countless suffering spirits have been saved and led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Among them was our own leader, the Jade Emperor, along with the Dragon Kings and other primary deities. Our hearts are filled with immense gratitude. As the new Heavenly Emperor, I stand here today during this interview, accompanied by my heavenly family and the various deities of the Trayastrimsa Heaven, to kneel and express our deepest thanks. We offer our gratitude for the vast and boundless grace of Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, Practitioner Su, and all the great practitioners."

An Ancient Connection to the Dharma

"The deities and Dragon Kings sent by Practitioner Su were highly experienced and deeply relied upon by their subjects. In fact, the former Jade Emperor and the Dragon Kings had already participated in the great assemblies when Shakyamuni Buddha was teaching, including the grand Dharma assembly for the Avatamsaka Sutra. However, at the time of the Buddha’s parinirvana, their Dharma affinity was not yet fully ripened. They were not yet ready to follow the Buddha to the various Buddha-lands or the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, so they remained at their posts, fulfilling their duties. It was not until now, with Practitioner Su manifesting in the world to attain Buddhahood, that the conditions were met. Using his Dharma Body, he sought rain to help the people of Goombungee and Toowoomba, requesting the assistance of the Jade Emperor and the Dragon Kings. The Emperor then dispatched his most capable and cooperative deities of rain, thunder, lightning, and wind to participate in this assembly."

The Transformation of the Local Field

"Although the initial rainfall was limited due to the collective karma and insufficient blessings of the local people, Practitioner Su’s compassionate vow never wavered. During his morning meditations, he taught the suffering spirits affected by the drought to recite the name of Namo Amituofo. This monumental effort significantly transformed the local energy field. Because Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body appeared, the suffering spirits were able to see the Buddha-light and clear away the gloom. It was like a drowning person finding a piece of driftwood; they were filled with such joy that they could sincerely recite the Buddha-name. This helped to diminish or even eradicate the karmic debts they had accumulated over countless lifetimes. Combined with the merits of the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies and the dedication of merit led by Practitioner Su, these efforts successfully brought about the rain. This was a tremendous blessing for the local residents and all living creatures, made possible because the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is located here, allowing them to benefit from Practitioner Su’s compassionate assistance."

A New Mandate for Deliverance

"I was originally a Dharma protector by the Jade Emperor’s side. Before that, I was a deity in the heavenly palace. Because of my quick thinking in resolving various crises in the human world, I was promoted to be a protector, assisting the Emperor in handling more complex issues involving both deities and humans. The Emperor took Practitioner Su’s request for rain and the promise of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss very seriously. Many deities had already sent letters to the Emperor asking: 'Since this Dharma affinity is so rare and precious, may we follow Practitioner Su’s Chao Du and enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss?' The Emperor granted all these requests immediately. Furthermore, because Practitioner Su’s Chao Du is spontaneous and flexible, occurring at different times and places, the Emperor ordered all deities under his jurisdiction to seize the opportunity to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss whenever they encounter Practitioner Su. He also commanded that any vacant positions be reported immediately so that they could be filled as quickly as possible. Because of the Jade Emperor’s great compassion in issuing this order, countless deities and their followers have been able to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The Emperor himself, having succeeded in bringing the rain, was also delivered by Practitioner Su. I am deeply grateful for the Buddha’s compassion and the grace of Practitioner Su, which extends throughout the heavens, the human world, and the ten directions of the Dharma Realm. We are truly fortunate to have encountered this opportunity."

Coordinating the Heavens

"Recently, we have had abundant rainfall, and the merits from Practitioner Su’s rain-making and Chao Du efforts still hold the potential for more. Today, Practitioner Su requested that I, the new Jade Emperor, temporarily pause the rain and store the remaining capacity for later use. The dark clouds that had been prepared for rain will, as Practitioner Su instructed, be delivered to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Practitioner Su observes the conditions and acts accordingly. I received his instructions and ordered the clouds to withdraw and wait for their Chao Du, allowing the sky to clear. We will return to the normal weather patterns for now, and if there is a need for more rain, we will adjust accordingly. Practitioner Su has also promised that he will wait for the right moment to guide us to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."