The Jailer's Journey to Ultimate Liberation

This is an interview with Liu Huiyin, a spirit who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Having successfully attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, she shares her profound journey through various realms of existence. This testimony was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 3, 2024.

Liu Huiyin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for her boundless compassion. This is a truly rare and magnificent Dharma affinity, one that all of us here cherish with our entire being. On behalf of all the jailers and sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Once, I was but a small blade of grass, growing in the vast, open wilderness. I lived freely, swaying gently with the breeze. Every leaf was a part of my life, dancing lightly, feeling so comfortable and at ease. My days were like a light, cheerful melody, filled with vitality and hope.

The Weight of Existence

I loved bathing in the morning dew, feeling the soft sunlight—it was truly a gift from heaven. Whenever the breeze brushed past, I would sway my body, dancing with the wind as if the entire world belonged to me. I enjoyed playing with the ants and butterflies; they were my little companions, accompanying me in my joy.

However, one day, my world suddenly turned gloomy. A massive, heavy stone appeared beside me, pressing down so hard I could barely breathe. The weight was suffocating, as if the entire world had collapsed upon me. I struggled desperately, trying to grow outward, but the crushing pressure made every single movement an arduous, painful task.

Day after day, I struggled in that narrow, confined space, yearning to see the sunlight once more. To survive, I stretched my roots deep into the soil, drawing out every bit of nourishment I could find. I fought to grow, even though every inch of progress was filled with immense hardship.

The Illusion of Freedom

Finally, one day, I felt a glimmer of hope. I succeeded in straightening my body, breaking free from the heavy stone that had pinned me down, and sprouted brand-new green leaves. When I looked up and saw the vast, azure sky again, an inexplicable emotion surged within my heart. I began to realise that the difficulties and obstacles in life were merely tests designed to make me stronger and more resilient.

This experience made me cherish freedom even more, and I began to long for the vastness of the sky. I started gazing at the stars, immersing myself in the stillness of the night. I spoke to the wind, pouring out my heart in a dialogue of the soul. The wind told me that every blade of grass has its own space, and the narrow confinement I had endured was simply to help me understand the different facets of life more deeply.

In that wilderness, I rediscovered my own spirit. I wanted to seek liberation, no longer willing to be bound by external limitations. I learned to be grateful—grateful even for that heavy stone, for it was that very weight that made me stronger. I learned the art of heart-to-heart dialogue, communicating with nature, and these experiences made my life feel so much richer and more fulfilling.

From Cloud to Human

That period of hardship made me stronger, yet a lingering desire for freedom remained in my heart. When I finally left the stone and saw the blue sky, the envy I felt for the clouds was so intense that I entered that space once more, this time becoming a free-roaming, drifting cloud.

As a cloud, I drifted lightly through the sky every day, feeling free and happy. I danced with the wind and met the sunlight; everything was so beautiful. Yet, I soon realised that this freedom was not true liberation. Even while floating high above, I did not know where my true home was. I was seeking a liberation of the heart, not merely the freedom of the body.

One day, while drifting aimlessly, I accidentally heard a melodious sound of reciting the Sutras. It came from an ancient temple, and it deeply stirred my long-dormant spirit. In that tranquil, holy place, I suddenly felt an indescribable sense of repenting. It was as if the sound were telling me that my past suffering had been meaningful, but that I had lost sight of its true purpose.

A Life of Service and Goodness

Facing this sudden spiritual awakening, I felt the bitterness and struggle within my heart. Suddenly, a torrential downpour began. As a cloud, I felt the coolness of every raindrop falling upon me. My heart was washed clean along with the rain, and I could not help but weep bitterly. After the rain stopped, I felt as though I had shed my original form; the clouds dispersed, and I was liberated.

In that pouring rain, I found myself again and understood the meaning of life. I was reincarnated into the human world, but this time, I carried with me an understanding of suffering, a search for spirituality, and a longing for true liberation. My heart had undergone a profound baptism, making me cherish everything in the human world and understand that what I truly sought was inner freedom and spiritual peace.

I was reborn into the human world, and this life was filled with the guidance of past Dharma affinity, making me cherish this hard-won existence. From the moment I was born, I drew close to the Goodness of the Dharma, striving to grow into someone capable of helping others.

The Path of the Jailer

I spent my life performing many good deeds. I immersed myself in acts of kindness, helping those in need and striving to build a warmer society. I learned various skills so that I could provide assistance in different fields. Later, I became a doctor, treating patients and bringing health and hope to the suffering. At the same time, I was a teacher, imparting knowledge and moral foundations to students, nurturing the hope of the future. My life was a process of striving to make this world a better place.

Every day, I worked hard to do good, hoping that everyone could be freed from the torment of suffering. My entire life was a struggle to pursue Goodness and to seek liberation.

However, as my life drew to a close, I looked into the distance once more, my heart focused solely on the path to liberation. I understood that all of this was transient; life is but a journey, and liberation is the destination I had always been seeking. I hoped that in my final moments, I could depart peacefully and move toward another realm—a place of true liberation and true peace.

The Final Deliverance

I walked through this life with heart, filled with gratitude and kindness. I hope my efforts have helped make this world a better place, bringing hope and change to more people. As I embarked on the journey to seek liberation, I carried with me gratitude for life, thankfulness for Dharma affinity, and a deep longing for freedom.

When my spirit entered the cycle of rebirth again, I knew I truly wanted liberation. Therefore, I no longer allowed myself to drift into space at will, but instead walked into the underworld.

I am very grateful to the King of Hell for giving me the opportunity to serve, which allowed me to help more people and accumulate merit while waiting for the moment of true liberation. Years have passed, and I am so thankful that today I was finally able to encounter Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks. The principles Practitioner Su explained are truly the Great Dharma of liberation. I cherish this deeply and have vowed to practise it earnestly.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss today. I have waited for this opportunity for such a long time. I am truly thankful and will certainly cherish it well.

On behalf of all the jailers and sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su.

Namo Amituofo.

Liu Huiyin, with palms joined."