This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon his spiritual journey and his service to the . Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on April 28, 2019.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". I am Venerable Yongning. This was the name I held while practising in the human world.
Beyond the Physical Eye
The universe is filled with countless mysteries. What our physical eyes perceive is merely the most superficial, coarse appearance of reality. However, when one attains the Dharma eye, the Wisdom eye, or the Buddha eye, the void that one perceives is truly incalculable. It is densely packed with sentient beings, yet they exist in layers that do not interfere with one another. Some of these layers in the void can interact, but for the most part, they exist in entirely different spaces.
Think about the stars scattered across the heavens—they are far larger than mere particles, yet within those very particles, there exist further spaces within spaces. The degree of one's spiritual purification determines the specific space one inhabits. There are higher levels, and levels even beyond those. Spaces that exist far beyond the Four Sacred Realms are scattered throughout the void; they are everywhere. This shows that there is no limit to one's practice. A spirit can break through barrier after barrier, continuously ascending. By relying on one's vow, one can open up entirely different levels of space. If it were not for Practitioner Su leading us to break through the Milky Way, we would never have been able to witness such wonders.
A Life of Observation and Service
In my past, I studied astronomy. Even then, I felt that the changes in the heavens were profound and unfathomable. Yet, the changes I could observe were not even one-ten-thousandth of the true celestial phenomena. Back then, I often made the forest my home. When there was no interference in the forest, I could quiet my mind and perceive the changes in all things around me. By observing the speed at which clouds drifted or the direction of the wind, I could discern where events were about to unfold. If the matter was minor, I would offer prayers for them. If the relationship was significant, I would hasten to that place to provide rescue. Through these actions, I averted many disasters and formed good karmic connections with many villagers.
I was also able to gain a slight understanding of the cause and effect governing the bodies that suffer retribution in the human world. However, I did not misuse this knowledge. Most of the time, I could only hint at the truth, for the secrets of heaven cannot be lightly revealed, and I could not go against the Truth. I had intended to spend my life travelling and performing good deeds. During this process, I would only accept what was necessary to sustain my life, and I would give away everything else to those in need along the way. I felt my life had some meaning, and I never forgot the initial aspirations taught to me by my master. Who could have expected that I would later be framed by others? I do not wish to dwell on that painful past now.
The of Practitioner Su
Today, the many karmic connections formed in this lifetime and my past lives have been resolved, thanks to Practitioner Su opening up my space. At last, I am truly able to save sentient beings. Every day, as I follow Practitioner Su toward the horizon, I exert my utmost effort. Through this transformation, I have discovered that I still possess such a profound vow. If I had not met Practitioner Su—whose mind-capacity is so vast that he did not fear my past as a member of the Demon Realm, and who was still willing to let me follow him—I would not have been able to achieve what I have today.
Seeing the sentient beings throughout the void finding liberation every day fills my heart with . This is a magnificent Dharma, and whatever Practitioner Su requires, I will do my absolute best to fulfill. Practitioner Su, who travels through the universe, is like our great teacher, transforming the fractured states of human nature. All the Bodhisattvas of the universe are filled with gratitude. The of the void are immense, and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre should be passed down forever. I hope the fourfold assembly will let go of their egos and play their part. The hope of the void is visible at this very moment. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."
