The Path of Renunciation: A Personal Testimony from Practitioner Faxin

In the past, I lived my life much like many others. I was caught up in the trivialities of the world, finding pleasure in idle gossip, shopping, and the noise of a busy social life. My work in sales was demanding, leaving my shoulders perpetually tight and my body exhausted. It was through a series of Causal Conditions that my mother first encountered the Buddha’s teachings, and this eventually led me to the path of practice.

The Weight of Unseen Burdens

It was only then that I began to understand the true nature of my physical suffering. My back was constantly tense, and my shoulders were rigid. I came to realise that within my body resided many sentient beings—what we call karmic creditors. These beings were the source of my physical distress. Because my shoulders were so tight, I had to keep moving them constantly just to find a moment of relief. The sound of my bones grinding against each other was audible and alarming.

When Practitioner Su saw my condition, she pointed out that my health was in a very poor state. As I was approaching marriage, she suggested that I come to the bodhimanda to adjust my body and spirit. After listening to the sutras at the bodhimanda for several days, I began to invite these karmic creditors from my past lives to leave my body. To my amazement, the tension in my shoulders and shoulder blades truly began to dissolve. I felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Practitioner Su, and I decided to stay at the bodhimanda to serve as a volunteer. I understood that the beings within me also needed to listen to the Dharma; they could not be released without a proper cause.

A Sanctuary for Healing

This place is a true sanctuary where the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas heal the body, mind, and spirit. I shared this news with my boyfriend at the time, hoping that he might come to experience this healing, as he suffered from severe nasal allergies. I hoped that, following these Causal Conditions, he might find relief from his illness. However, he did not agree with my choice to cultivate the mind and nurture my true nature. I had to make a choice: to follow the path of the world or to follow the path of Namo Amituofo to save the world.

The Choice Between Two Worlds

This was the most significant turning point of my life. By listening to the sutras, I began to understand the truth of the universe. I slowly learned to let go of my personal desires. I realised that through true purification, one can reclaim their original nature and help immeasurable and boundless sentient beings. I knew then that if I did not take this path, my life would have been lived in vain. I chose to let go of everything in the worldly dust, including my family, friends, and the prospect of marriage. I chose the path of monastic practice. I committed myself fully to the work of purification, and as I began to see this world clearly, I knew that I had made the right choice.

Walking the Path of Renunciation

Through this practice, I have been able to transcend the cycle of birth and death. My body has become sensitive and aware, and I have opened up the space within me. I am now able to communicate with all things and help others alleviate the discomforts within their own bodies. I continue to deepen my own purification, learning to see all things as one entity. My practice of saving beings is free from distracting thoughts; it is a single-minded devotion.

A Vow to Save All Beings

My life is now dedicated to the following principles: compassionately nurturing the body and spirit, focusing solely on purification, and making the vow to save the world and rescue all beings. I am spreading the teachings I have learned to the world without reservation. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo for this opportunity to serve. With palms joined together, I offer my humble gratitude.

Recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Faxin

Namo Amituofo