The Third Letter of Practitioner Huang Nianzu

Reflections on a Life of Devotion

Time passes like a fleeting dream, as if yesterday has only just slipped away. Every blade of grass and every drop of dew appears as clear and luminous as crystal. Throughout my life, I, Huang Nianzu, have been busy and diligent, gathering commentaries and explaining the sutras. My purpose was never for my own sake; it was always for the sake of the magnificent Dharma. In my later years, I encountered the Pure Land school, and my heart finally opened to its profound truths. I began to practise with great vigour, and in the end, I believed that I had absolute certainty of my rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

However, how could I have known? With a sudden shift, I did not arrive in the West as I had expected. In the subtle differences between our intentions and our true attainment, everything changed. Fortunately, I did not harbour resentment over this matter. Today, I have indeed reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, having been personally guided by Practitioner Su. Being able to transmit this message from the Western Land back to the human world requires someone who possesses true attainment to articulate it clearly.

The Necessity of True Attainment

All of these things require dedicated practice. To truly succeed, one must master several essential elements:

• Purification: The ongoing process of cleansing the body, heart, and spirit of all defilements.
• Knowledge of Space: Understanding the nature of the dimensions beyond our physical realm.
• Realisation: Finally attaining the absolute certainty of reaching the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

We are of the same school and the same lineage, yet we have achieved such different results. Cheng Yuan, as you listen to these words, I wonder what thoughts arise in your heart? Do you wish for your life to have a perfect conclusion? Do you desire to reach the ultimate bliss of the Western Pure Land?

A Direct Inquiry into Your Practice

You are also a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings. In this current age, where the Dharma seems to be withering, how could you be unaware of the state of the world? You are an intelligent woman, but in these passing seconds and minutes, can you see your path clearly? Is your heart, which should be clear and luminous, now clouded by obstacles? Why has such a change occurred within you?

You have your thoughts, your worries, and your plans. Because of these, your heart is no longer pure. If you wish to restore your body and heart, there is only one way: you must come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I am here as well, assisting in the protection of this Buddha-land. There is not much time left to deliberate on this matter. Some ailments, if left for too long, become difficult to treat and may even become beyond saving.

The Sanctuary of Hsiang Kuang

Can you trust me, Huang Nianzu? I am here, and I am willing to assist you. If you are willing to believe, I can still speak a few more words to you. Such a magnificent Dharma is rare; do not let it slip through your fingers. It would be a great pity to miss out on the magnificence of the Buddha’s teachings. Bring your sincerity and come to find me. I am waiting for you.

Written by Huang Nianzu

The content of this interview was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.