The Light Within the Dark Space
An Interview with Venerable Yongning
Recorded on May 3, 2023
This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who shares insights into the spiritual deliverance of beings trapped in a dark space. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 3, 2023.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Yongning. Every single spirit is a child held firmly in the Buddha's palm. No matter how far these children may wander, no matter how misguided or evil their paths may become, they remain within the Buddha's grasp. The Buddha waits silently, with infinite patience, waiting for these children to turn their heads once more and face the light.
Practitioner Su’s travels into various different spaces to save beings. Within these realms, one finds all manner of spirits—some are spirits of Goodness, while others are spirits of darkness. Yet, Practitioner Su saves every single spirit that is willing to be saved.
A Cavernous Void of Despair
During a recent Body , I witnessed a dark space. It was an immense, cavernous void, and within it existed an uncountable number of spirits. These spirits were like prisoners, trapped in a cycle of reincarnation. In their past lives, they had committed grave sins, and after undergoing their , they were gathered into this space. They were all imprisoned in absolute darkness, with no hope or opportunity to escape.
These spirits were suffering immensely. Their sins were too deep and too heavy; they had to endure this fruit of their actions to repay their karmic debts. When I asked them if they felt regret, the truth was that many of them had long since repented, yet they still had no opportunity to leave this dark space.
The Piercing Brilliance of Buddha-Light
When Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body arrived, the Buddha-light illuminated this dark space. All the suffering spirits within this realm looked up toward the light. They were absolutely shocked! They had never seen such Buddha-light before. For a moment, they were so stunned that they did not even know how to chant the Buddha's name. It was only after some of the spirits began to chant that the others followed, and soon, they were chanting in great, resounding waves.
From the sound of their Buddha-name chanting, one could hear the sorrow and bitterness of their cycle of reincarnation. One could also hear just how deeply they regretted their past actions. Their sincere chanting, bolstered by the power of the Buddha, allowed them to be saved and delivered from that place in great numbers. These spirits were all restored to their original forms. They were filled with immense gratitude toward Practitioner Su, thanking him for saving them from that dark space so they would no longer have to continue suffering in that void.
The Purification of the Realm
This vast, dark space was purified through the Chao Du performed by Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body. Perhaps other suffering spirits will continue to be brought into this place, but as long as Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body continues to arrive, and as long as these beings truly repent and sincerely change their ways, they will all have the opportunity to be saved and delivered.
Namo Amituofo."
More from Master Yongning
The Path to a Pure Heart
Venerable Yongning discusses the profound necessity of purifying the heart, explaining how the depth of one's practice is determined by the degree to which one can relinquish the self and worldly attachments.
The Transformation from Demon to Practitioner
Venerable Yongning shares his profound journey from a powerful demon to a dedicated practitioner, reflecting on the transformative power of the Dharma and the moment he was subdued by Practitioner Su.
The Prison of a Stubborn Heart
Venerable Yongning explores the destructive nature of stubbornness, revealing how a rigid heart traps spirits in cycles of suffering and how letting go is the only path to liberation.
Transcending the Cycle of Suffering
Venerable Yongning reflects on the root causes of human suffering, the profound regret of spirits trapped in the cycle of rebirth, and the path to liberation through repentance and chanting Namo Amituofo.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance 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 and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance 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 in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, 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 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library