The Life and Journey of Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin

A Rare Transmission from the Western Pure Land

On 27 August 2018, Venerable HaiZe began the session by chanting the name of Namo Amituofo ten times, respectfully inviting the spirit of Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin, who now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin responded, "Namo Amituofo. Nan Huaijin has arrived."

Venerable HaiZe asked, "Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin, your works span the traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and your unique insights have benefited countless students and readers both in China and abroad. Could you please share your life story and how you were guided to the Western Pure Land by Practitioner Su?"

Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin replied: "I am transmitting this message from the Western Pure Land, which is being transcribed into text by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This method is truly unique; it is the only place where such a thing occurs. I am fortunate to be one of those interviewed in this manner."

Completing the Circle of Life

"My life could be described as both ordinary and legendary. I travelled from the mainland to Taiwan, then to Hong Kong, and finally returned to my hometown in Zhejiang, where I passed away. If one views life as a series of gaps that must be connected to form a perfect circle, then at the time of my passing, my circle still had a gap. It was not until Practitioner Su called my name, invited me out from beside the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, and sent me a beam of golden light that I was brought to Practitioner Su to continue listening to the Dharma. Only after returning to the Western Pure Land could I say that my life's circle was finally complete.

Even though the joints between these gaps still have fissures—much like the stages and journeys of life, which are never entirely perfect—it is a great fortune to have formed a circle at all. In this world, there are so many people who, after countless cycles of rebirth, still cannot bridge that gap. They are still searching for the ultimate, perfect destination for their spirits after death."

The Truth Within the Classics

"Like many who lived through times of war, I experienced the pain of separation from my mother, wife, and children. After establishing myself in Taiwan, I wrote many books based on my innate sensitivity to religion, education, and philosophy, which often received a wide response. In particular, my work on Buddhist sutras proves that the classics are alive, not dead. The key is whether one can grasp the essential points within the teachings; once you start from those key points, you are on the right path.

If you can agree with this secret, then we share a Dharma affinity. The classics do not lose their value with the passage of time; rather, they become more authentic and precious because they are the Truth. I merely translated the Truth within the classics into simple language and examples so that readers could understand the subtle meanings and be willing to learn and change. I dare not say that I changed their destinies, but at the very least, they were filled with Dharma joy in those moments. More importantly, they were able to break free from the frameworks of life, see a different landscape, and gain the energy to continue moving forward."

The Test of Death and the Path to Deliverance

"Of course, my life was met with both praise and criticism. That is life, and I have learned to smile through it all. I respect those who disagree and share with those who are in harmony. To work hard without grasping at external conditions was the portrait of my life. I lived for over ninety years, which is a ripe old age. I am grateful to Heaven for its kindness, as I remained clear-headed when I passed away.

Although I often shared methods and insights on chanting the Buddha's name with others, when my own life reached its end—at that critical moment when my breath was about to cease—I found myself chanting the Buddha's name in a stuttering, unclear manner. The importance of meditative concentration, which I had spoken of so often, vanished as my heart was filled with a hundred conflicting emotions. How could such chanting attract Namo Amituofo to lead me to the Western Pure Land? It seems I could not pass the test of life and death and needed further study. Thus, I was brought by a beam of light to the side of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha in the underworld to continue my learning."

The Importance of Preparing for the Afterlife

"The situation there may be unfamiliar to you, as it is a place one can only visit after death, and most people are reluctant to discuss it. In reality, death is a very important matter. Only when one understands it clearly while alive and determines their destination after death can they have a direction and goal. Otherwise, one might spend a lifetime in the human world only to end up in a miserable state after death, unable to change anything because it is too late. In this regard, I did not have a deep enough understanding of the afterlife. Fortunately, Practitioner Su is alive in the human world, and thanks to the clear instructions of Practitioner Liu and the nomination of Practitioner Cao Rudi, I had the opportunity to leave the side of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and be reborn in the Western Pure Land. I am truly grateful to you all!"

The Magnificence of the Western Pure Land

"In this life, the only person I felt guilty towards was my first wife, Wang Cuifeng, who remained in mainland China. We spent only a short time together as husband and wife before I went to Taiwan, leaving her with the heavy burden of caring for my mother and children during the difficult years of the Cultural Revolution. She fulfilled her duties as a daughter-in-law and mother with great integrity. I believe she must have gone to a good place.

The place beside Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha in the underworld can be seen as a high-end residential area. You have food, clothing, and shelter; the goal is for you to study and prepare for your next life. You can work diligently on the areas where you were lacking while alive. You can see the true nature of each person there: some are very serious, reading books, reciting sutras, meditating, and chanting the Buddha's name, while others are restless and wander about. As long as you do not disturb others, no one will bother you. If you need materials, books, scriptures, meditation cushions, prayer beads, or writing supplies, you only need to ask, and the attendants will prepare them for you. Whether you study well or make progress is entirely up to you. Once the time for study is over, your performance determines your next destination. This is the situation there. It is a place for scholars and people who contributed to society without committing evil deeds.

Now that I am in the Western Pure Land, there is no place better! It is truly the Land of Ultimate Bliss. The word 'ultimate' can be interpreted as the absolute peak, something beyond imagination. The sutras only describe a fraction of it. The most magnificent thing is listening to the Dharma before the Buddha! Everywhere is equivalent to listening to the Dharma in the presence of the Buddha. All the scenery in the ten directions is naturally formed and can teach the Dharma."

The Living Dharma of the Pure Land

"When I was alive, most of my time was spent in lecture halls, standing or sitting to teach. I used my mouth to express what I wanted to tell people, while textbooks, tapes, and computer transmissions were all artificial methods. In the West, the Dharma is being taught at every moment! The fragrance of flowers in the air and the sounds produced by the wind—when the wind sings the name of Namo Amituofo and the flowers emit a refreshing fragrance, you naturally follow along and chant. The sound of flowing water and the chirping of birds on the trees explain the scriptures to you. The seven-jeweled ponds and the water of eight virtues reflect the golden ripples; walking into the water, the temperature is just right—refreshing and invigorating. Listening to the Dharma here, you suddenly understand the meaning of the scriptures, and your wisdom grows. There is no comparison, no evil, and no conflict here; there is only supreme goodness and purity. It is the gathering place of all superior beings. Yes, by the grace of the Buddha, I am here."

A Story of Compassion

"I would like to share a small story. One day, as I sat under a tree listening to the Buddha's name sung by the wind, a little Bodhisattva approached. He was adorable and dignified, but his face was filled with sorrow. I looked at him and asked in my heart, 'Little Bodhisattva, what is wrong? Why are you so sad?' He answered with his large, round eyes: 'Suddenly, I remembered my mother!' Two lines of tears fell from his eyes. At that same moment, the wind that was singing the Buddha's name suddenly transmitted: 'Qing'er, Mother is in the Buddha's name, in the name of Namo Amituofo. As long as you chant, Mother will never leave you!' The little Bodhisattva's tear-filled eyes suddenly smiled! It turned out his mother was here too! The wind transmitted his mother's voice. This was something she often told him when she was alive. The little Bodhisattva had passed away due to illness, and before he died, he remembered these words. He chanted the Buddha's name with all his might, ignoring everyone else, until he attracted Namo Amituofo, who brought him here. Namo Amituofo cares for everyone in every corner of the Western Pure Land. Just as at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Practitioner Su cares for and nurtures everyone, helping them fulfill their wish to return to the Western Pure Land."

Cherish the Human Body

"No matter what your life is like, only rebirth in the Western Pure Land can complete it. A lifetime is like a sandcastle; no matter how magnificent or glorious it may have been, a wave comes, and it is instantly reduced to flat sand. The past should be let go; you must grasp what is present. Whatever can help you achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, you must courageously undertake. Do not cling to illusory things that cannot be retrieved, or you will end up with nothing. As long as you have one breath left, it is not too late. The human body is precious; please cherish it.

The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is preparing to build a 'Mituo Village' so that the elderly may have a place to return to, and when their karmic affinity with the human body ends, they may be guided by Practitioner Su into the Western Pure Land. This is a peaceful and serene land, and because of Practitioner Su and the existence of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, this land shines brightly. Do not miss this opportunity! I welcome you all to join the ranks of the Western Pure Land! Namo Amituofo."

Postscript

After reading this article, Practitioner Su said he would invite Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin's first wife, Madam Wang Cuifeng, to fulfill Lay Practitioner Nan Huaijin's wish. Through the message received by Venerable HaiZe, it was discovered that Madam Wang Cuifeng was in the third heaven of the Desire Realm. Practitioner Su struck the bell to invite Madam Wang Cuifeng to enter the Western Land of Dharma Nature of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to listen to the Dharma. As long as she makes the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, she will have the opportunity to do so.

This interview was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.