The True Heart of Giving

This is a record of an interview with Luo Nianyong, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his subsequent service as a prison guard in the underworld. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on July 25, 2025.

Luo Nianyong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Before my eyes, I see the magnificent beauty of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is truly astonishing to realise that such a perfect world actually exists. In this wondrous realm, there is no trace of afflictions; everyone here dwells in the state of ultimate joy.

For so long, I had dreamed of a space like this, yet I never truly dared to believe it was real. Now that I have arrived here, my heart is filled with immense joy. When I think back to the moment Practitioner Su reached out to guide us—all sixty of us prison guards—it felt as though no time had passed at all before we arrived in the Western Pure Land. Looking back, the cycle of rebirth that spanned throughout my many lives seems like nothing more than a fleeting moment on a timeline. Now that I can remain here in the Western Pure Land for eternity, I am profoundly grateful. I am grateful to the Buddha, and I am grateful to Practitioner Su."

A Childhood Shaped by Observation

"My name is Luo Nianyong. My father was a professional gem appraiser; he possessed a deep understanding of precious stones and the intricacies of mining operations. When I was a young boy, my father would travel extensively to remote mountain regions and mining development sites to inspect the land. From the moment I learned to walk, he took me everywhere with him.

As his eldest son, I was the one upon whom he placed all his hopes. My father was a man of great influence and possessed a vast network of connections; he was, by all accounts, a very successful man. Naturally, he expected me to follow in his footsteps and inherit the family business. This rigorous training from a young age taught me how to be observant, to read the expressions and intentions of those around me. Beyond just learning the trade, however, I began to see the stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished in every region we visited."

The Beggar and the Lesson of Compassion

"My father’s success meant that our family lived in the most affluent districts. Yet, whenever he took me into the mountains to survey mines, we would pass through small villages and towns along the way. The lives of the people in these places were vastly different from our own; they were often struggling, and some were living in extreme poverty. One particular incident, which occurred while I was waiting for my father, became a defining moment that would influence the rest of my life.

My father had arranged to meet a friend, but the friend had lost his way. While my father went to search for him, I stood by the roadside with our butler. As I looked around, I saw a beggar father with his child, pleading for help on the street. Most people simply avoided them, walking past with cold indifference. I watched as the child tugged at his father’s sleeve, whispering that he was hungry. The father could only stroke his child’s head, comforting him by saying that if they waited just a little longer, someone would surely give them money so they could buy food.

Time passed, and I was still waiting for my father, but no one had offered any help to the beggar and his child. I saw the look of utter disappointment in the child’s eyes; he had no strength left. I begged our butler to help them, to give them some money. At first, he was reluctant and wanted to ignore them. But I persisted, pleading with him again and again until he finally relented. The moment the beggar father received the money, he smiled at me—a smile of pure relief. The child beside him was so happy he began to jump for joy."

The True Meaning of Giving

"To many people, the small amount of money given was not a burden at all, yet to those in need, it was a lifeline—a spark of hope for their very survival. I observed many people in similar situations, and I noticed that most chose to remain cold and indifferent. Only a rare few would reach out to help. I noticed that those who did offer assistance seemed to radiate a soft, warm energy. From that day on, I began to observe the energy that every person radiated.

My father was always consumed by thoughts of business expansion. My mother was focused entirely on the well-being of our home. Many people I met were chasing profit, but there were also those who were simply seeking peace of mind. After observing all of this, I asked myself: 'What is it that I truly want?' My father was always pushing me forward, placing all his expectations upon me. But were his hopes truly my own? This question lingered in my heart for years. I had considered abandoning everything my father demanded of me, but in the end, I chose a compromise. I inherited his business, which provided me with the financial resources I needed to pursue my own dream: the dream of helping others."

Seeking Answers in the Dharma

"In the process of helping people, I witnessed the ups and downs of many families and the helplessness they faced in the face of unchangeable circumstances. I kept searching for the answer: what is the most effective way to truly help them? After my father passed away, I established various foundations to support different vulnerable groups in society. I continued to run the family business, pouring all the profits into social welfare. I earned the respect of many, but I was still searching for the ultimate answer. How could I truly help them?

Eventually, I had the Causal Conditions to visit a temple. The profound peace within that temple made my heart feel exceptionally clear. I felt that the answer I had been seeking could be found there. I stayed at the temple for ten days, following the daily schedule and practices. Gradually, my heart began to find a different direction. It was then that I truly understood the laws of karma and cause and effect. Every person carries their own karma, which connects their past to their future. Only then did I fully understand why there is such disparity in society—why there is poverty and wealth, status and hardship.

I had been helping people by constantly giving, but I realised that the true way to help them was to teach them the practice of Giving. Whether it is the giving of labour or the giving of wealth, as long as it comes from a sincere heart, it will yield inconceivable returns. Of course, the goal is not to seek a reward, but to do one’s best with a sincere heart. I shared this concept with many people, and we successfully helped them change their perspectives, allowing them to overcome their immediate difficulties through a steady, long-term approach. By then, my own state of mind had completely transformed."

From the Underworld to the Western Pure Land

"In my later years, I would look out at the flowing water and feel that my life had been well-spent. I had done my best. As I watched the water, I never expected that my own life would simply flow away with it. I became a part of that flow, and no matter where it led, I was not surprised, for I had seen much in this life. My heart had returned to a state of calm.

Through the connection of Causal Conditions, I, who had become like the flowing water, passed by the temple, and I remembered the venerable Buddha. My heart resonated with the sound of the Buddha-name. I never expected that this resonance would lead me away from the flow and into the Hall of the Yama King. Every single detail of my karma was recorded clearly in that hall.

In the Hall of the Yama King, I saw that I still had many karmic creditors waiting for me. My heart sank, and I did not know how I could ever repay them. Fortunately, the Yama King was compassionate; he allowed me to use my remaining merit to serve as a prison guard, continuing to serve all beings. I took up the post with joy, but in every torture chamber of the hells, I witnessed the scenes of retribution. Every scene left me shaken, and I desperately hoped that the beings in the hells could awaken.

However, the reality was that every being in the hells had such a strong, stubborn personality that I often found myself unable to help them, which left me feeling discouraged. It was then that I heard Practitioner Su giving a Dharma talk, which allowed me to reconnect with the Buddha-affinity. At that moment, I sincerely made a vow to follow the Buddha and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I prayed with all my heart, and today, that wish has been fulfilled. Guided by Practitioner Su, I have been reborn in the Western Pure Land. Before me, there is only golden light, and my heart is filled with gratitude. I am grateful to the Buddha, and I am grateful to Practitioner Su.

Luo Nianyong, kneeling in gratitude.

Namo Amituofo."