The Twelfth Letter: Navigating the Fog of Confusion
A Letter from Lay Practitioner Zhao Liangyu to Her Son
17 August 2017
The Veiled Path of Worldly Illusion
In this world, events often appear as if we are viewing flowers through a thick, obscuring mist. We struggle to understand the true nature of our circumstances, and frankly, there are times when I simply do not understand the complexities of the path. I find myself feeling fortunate that I have not lived to an extreme old age, nor have I accumulated great wealth. It is a profound challenge for any human being to completely sever their attachment to the and . When the tests of life arrive, are they a cause for sorrow or a cause for ? This is a question that requires us to constantly examine ourselves with Wisdom, engaging in an internal dialogue to remind ourselves of our true purpose.
The Weight of the Sangha’s Vow
My son, Venerable Ding Hong, you have chosen the path of a monastic. You must always remember that you reside within the Buddha’s gate. For those of us who are lay practitioners, we offer our support to the bodhimanda with sincerity and devotion. You must remember the ancient teaching: to consume even a single grain of rice offered by the faithful is a debt as heavy as Mount Sumeru. This is not merely a metaphor; it is a reality that carries immense karmic weight. As you follow the path of the Venerable Master Chin Kung to deliver sentient beings, your scope of service extends across the entire realm of emptiness. Every word you speak and every action you take must be performed with the utmost caution and reverence. You must walk with care, for the eyes of the celestial beings are always upon you, and their observation is never false.
The Clarity of Righteous Discernment
As your mother, I have been staying at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Here, I have witnessed the deep filial piety that Practitioner Su holds for the Venerable Master Chin Kung. I have also seen the profound pain and concern Practitioner Su feels for the Master. My son, the time has come for you to develop your own clear sense of discernment. Sometimes, what appears to be can actually lead to great harm. True righteousness may require the courage to make difficult choices, even if it means standing against those closest to you to uphold the greater truth of the Dharma. This is the ultimate way to truly honour and assist your teacher.
A Radiant Call to the Pure Land
I ask you to reflect deeply upon this. You are now at a stage in your life where you must face the responsibilities of the Dharma realm of emptiness. You must be prepared to carry this burden. I invite you to come to Australia, to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. If you and Practitioner Su were to join hands in your efforts, guided by the boundless compassion of the Buddha, it would be a great blessing for all sentient beings who are currently lost in the cycle of rebirth. This is the message from a mother whose heart is filled with concern for your spiritual journey.
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