The Ronin's Blade and the Path to Deliverance

This is a record of an interview with Namii Toyoda, a spirit who sought Spiritual Deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life in feudal Japan. Recorded by the chief writer, Fa Ning, on February 14, 2026.

Namii Toyoda speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Namii Toyoda. I came to seek Spiritual Deliverance after seeing the Namo Amituofo signboard in Japan, representing one million, nine hundred and sixty-seven thousand and sixty sentient beings who were also seeking salvation."

A Life of Steel and Shadows

"Japan during my time was a nation fractured by warring feudal domains. Under the policy of national isolation, the common people lived amidst the constant roar of cannons and the chaos of war. Many were reformists intent on overthrowing the shogunate, while others were royalists, staunchly defending the legitimacy of the Emperor's rule. I lived on an island near Nagasaki and was a well-known ronin. A ronin, as the name implies, is a masterless warrior—someone who wields a blade but belongs to no school or clan. Many ronin possessed swordsmanship so refined it bordered on the supernatural, giving rise to countless legends. That was the reality of Japan at the time.

Though I was a ronin, I did not master my craft alone. I spent nearly seven years under the tutelage of the master of the Iron Forge School. I learned the art of the blade, which included the concentration of the spirit and how to become one with the sword. Most importantly, I learned to ask: 'Why do we draw our blades?' As a Japanese samurai, others might fear you because of the steel in your hand, but if you lack a firm, unwavering Way of the Sword in your heart, you can never truly earn the respect of other warriors."

The Conflict of Conscience

"Beyond swordsmanship, my master taught me that a samurai who carries a weapon must fight to protect the weak and defend justice. I held this teacher in the highest regard, but his other disciples were mostly thugs who loved to abuse their power. This was unbearable to me. Even when I offered kind counsel, I was met only with insults. To me, clinging to the Iron Forge School was meaningless. Unlike those who relied on a clan for personal gain, I believed in the convictions of my heart and the blade in my hand. I believed that with these two things, I could shatter any obstacle.

This was the creed of many ronin. It was this boldness and open-mindedness—the willingness to abandon the benefits of a clan to wander the world alone—that turned many ronin into legends. With nothing but their faith and their steel, they would roar their defiance at the heavens. I eventually abandoned the position of successor that my teacher had offered me. I chose to travel light, unburdened by possessions. In those turbulent times, with the country surrounded by foreign threats and torn by internal strife, those of us who wished to serve the nation and save the people naturally gathered together. We formed a significant force, and many skilled warriors joined us for our shared beliefs."

The Final Blade

"We reformists were incredibly united. We struck hard against our enemies, the shogunate faction, because this was not a game—it was a life-or-death struggle. I knew I was a capable warrior, though not the greatest. Before joining the reformists, I was deeply convinced that our path was the path of justice, as it aligned with my vow to protect the weak. Yet, as we fought, I saw that both the reformists and the royalists were often driven solely by the desire to annihilate the other to achieve their own ends. Though many told me this was for a greater cause, a seed of doubt was planted in my heart. This approach violated my core tenet of protecting the weak.

On the eve of a major, high-casualty operation, I proposed withdrawing. I wanted to use my blade to help others, not to eradicate those who disagreed with us. My companions, fearing I would expose their movements, decided to eliminate me to ensure their success. When I realised their intent, I knew my choice had been correct. I remembered my teacher's words: 'The sword can kill, and precisely because of that, we who have mastered it must use it to save lives. That is the true mission of a samurai.' I lost my life while fleeing their pursuit. It was a moonlit night—I remember it was a full moon—and I took my last breath in a bamboo grove after receiving a fatal wound to my chest."

From Weapon to Liberated Spirit

"After death, I became a sword—a blade used by ronin, lone wolves, or those who belonged to no specific organisation. If a bad person held me, I would drain their strength or make them unable to use their skills. If a kind-hearted person held me, I would help them unleash greater potential. Before I died, I realised that when a person becomes a tool for a group or an organisation, they lose the ability to choose where their blade strikes. This intention allowed me to become a sword used only by those with free will. Even as a blade, I continued to help people in my own way.

On that day, my collector took me outside to polish me as usual. He happened to see the Namo Amituofo signboard set up in Japan and recited, 'Namo Amituofo.' I recited the Holy Name along with him. In that instant, my spirit was released from the samurai sword. I saw the Namo Amituofo signboard radiating immense golden light, and upon seeing the address, I came to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, to seek Spiritual Deliverance. I was quickly guided into the Western Dharma-Nature Land by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su."

A Vision of Infinite Compassion

"In the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I saw the radiant, towering form of Namo Amituofo and countless lotus seats. I am now on one of those seats. My heart is incredibly peaceful. I know I am safe in this world, and I follow the music in the air, chanting 'Namo Amituofo,' listening to the sutras, and continuously purifying myself.

In the Western Dharma-Nature Land, I witnessed the most magnificent scene I have ever seen. I saw countless golden manifestations of Practitioner Su rushing in all directions. Some flew to the clouds, orbiting and rotating to deliver the spirits trapped within; others covered the earth like a golden tsunami, sweeping sentient beings into the Western Dharma-Nature Land. These immeasurable and boundless golden Dharma Bodies were like flowing light, like waterfalls, displaying their divine power everywhere. This is what it means to change the heavens and the earth. Practitioner Su's deliverance is like an instantaneous transformation of the universe, saving immeasurable beings. I was shocked, but even more, I was filled with joy. This is the skill I truly wish to learn. I never imagined that a human being could practise to such a realm; by comparison, the swordsmanship I learned in the past was truly child's play."

A Message for Japan

"After listening to the sutras, I learned that the Holy Name 'Namo Amituofo' can open up space. This is truly inconceivable. I am so fortunate that my owner chanted the Buddha's name, and I followed, which allowed me to escape the cycle of rebirth. I now know that the objective here is to be free from aging, free from illness, and that your spirit never dies. Practitioner Su is one who has achieved this. This makes me so happy. The education of the Buddha's teachings is so important. I sincerely hope that the people of Japan will have the opportunity to receive this education and find their true selves. All they need to do is change their hearts and chant 'Namo Amituofo.'

Looking at Japan today, although technology is far more advanced than in my time, the human heart is not as pure, and the pressure is much greater. I can see it in the expressions of the children; they lack the innocent, brilliant smiles and the purity of the children of my era. It breaks my heart. I call upon the Japanese people to come here quickly to find Namo Amituofo. It can relieve everyone's physical and mental illnesses; it is the medicine that everyone desperately needs.

I am currently continuing to purify my spirit in the Dharma-Nature Land, hoping to reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss soon. Once I become a Buddha, I will return to save all sentient beings with whom I have karmic affinity."

Namo Amituofo."