The Thirteenth Letter: Clarity of Mind
The Thirteenth Letter from Lay Practitioner Zhao Liangyu
A Mother's Guidance to Venerable Ding Hong
The Gentle Reminders of a Mother
I have offered you many words of advice and reminders over the years. I can no longer recall if I have repeated myself, but if these words sound familiar, please accept them as the earnest teachings and gentle reminders of a mother who cares deeply for her child. Whether one is a monastic or a lay practitioner in the workplace, once you reach a certain level of responsibility, there will always be people around you who act as gatekeepers, screening matters and managing your affairs. In the secular world, we might call such a person a secretary. For the monastic community, I am not certain if this role is handled by an attendant or a senior administrator. Please, never underestimate the significance of this role. The ability of these gatekeepers to judge what is important is crucial, as they determine whether vital messages or necessary tasks ever reach the hands of the leader.
The Heavy Burden of Karmic Consequences
Do you remember the case of Practitioner Fan? In the karmic burdens he carried, he once admitted that he had delayed passing a simple note from a devotee to the Venerable Master Chin Kung. For that single act of negligence, he had to bear a heavy karmic debt. I wish to remind you, Venerable, that you must maintain the clarity of your own mind at all times. It is not enough to simply examine yourself; you must also turn your attention outward to care for your partners and associates. You must observe whether they are still handling people and affairs on the right track, or if they have drifted into biased paths without even realising it. Do not dismiss this simple act of inspection. Sometimes, we are like people whose eyes have been covered; we become unaware of what is happening in the outside world, or we allow the slanderous words of those with wrong views to cloud our own judgment.
The True Wisdom of
Practitioner Su often says that only those who have truly reached the state of Awakening possess true wisdom. When one has reached this state, the handling of all matters becomes perfectly clear and distinct. There is no need to rely on the limited of , Speech, and Mind to judge or process the world. It is truly a case of the bystander seeing clearly while the person involved remains lost in confusion. If the gate to your office is kept shut and guarded too tightly, how can the necessary information ever reach your hands? On the path of practice, maintaining a state of clarity and purity is of the utmost importance. The only thing we must fear is being possessed by , which would leave us unable to take charge of our own lives.
The Path to the
Venerable, you must understand that only by returning to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and following Practitioner Su to learn anew can you obtain your entry pass to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a matter of life and death, the most significant event of your existence. Please, do not hesitate any longer. If you are able to receive this letter, know that it comes from your mother, written with the deepest concern and gravity for your spiritual future.
- Maintain constant vigilance over your own mind and the environment around you.
- Ensure that the flow of information and guidance remains pure and unhindered.
- Seek the true wisdom that comes only from Awakening.
- Return to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to continue your practice under the guidance of Practitioner Su.
Written by your mother, Zhao Liangyu, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This content was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Cao Rudi.
More from Lay Practitioners
The Truth Behind Auspicious Signs: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng
Many have asked why a practitioner who displayed auspicious signs during chanting still fell into the hells. Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng, father of Venerable Ding Hong, shares his personal testimony on the reality of karmic debt and the saving grace of Namo Amituofo.
A Message from the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu
Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu speaks from the Western Pure Land, offering profound insights on the mission of Practitioner Su, the presence of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and a heartfelt call for practitioners to seize this rare opportunity for Awakening.
Transforming the Mind: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan
In this profound interview, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the deep connection between our mental state, the laws of karma, and the path to true healing. By understanding the role of karmic creditors and the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, we can learn to transform our minds and find liberation from suffering.
The Crucial Choice: To Change or Not to Change
In this profound dialogue, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the vital necessity of repentance and the courage required to change one's ways. He addresses the heartbreaking reality of those who refuse to listen to guidance, the cycle of karmic retribution, and the urgent call for practitioners to act with compassion to save suffering beings.
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