The Vision of the Western Three Saints: An Interview with Venerable Master Chan Yun
Reflections on the Painting of Namo Amituofo
Recorded on May 7, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
This interview was recorded on May 7, 2018, featuring the spirit of the late Venerable Master Chan Yun. Having sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the Master now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this testimony, he reflects on the spiritual inspiration behind his iconic painting of the Western Three Saints and offers guidance to those still practising in the world.
Venerable Master Chan Yun speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Regarding the questions you have raised, this is a topic that has surfaced many times since I was still alive in the human world. It is certainly not the first time people have inquired about this painting of the Western Three Saints. Some individuals revere and cherish this image, while others may not necessarily approve of it. To be honest, I have never paid any attention to such opinions. My only focus has always been to examine my own shortcomings rather than focusing on the faults of others.
The Vision of Golden Light
This painting of the Western Three Saints came into being after I had been engaged in diligent practice for many years. One day, while I was immersed in meditative concentration and chanting Namo Amituofo, I experienced a profound connection, and the Western Three Saints appeared before me. At that moment, I witnessed the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss bathed in a vast expanse of golden light. It was such a magnificent and dignified scene. What appeared before my eyes was exactly the image you see in this painting.
Perhaps my artistic skills were not fully refined at the time, and I was unable to perfectly capture the full extent of the dignity and majesty of the Western Three Saints. However, after I witnessed that vision, I could not forget it for a long time. I happened to have some basic training in drawing, and at that moment, I had only one thought in my heart: I wished to convey the message of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to the people of this world. I wanted them to know that when they are reborn in the Western Land, it is precisely this Namo Amituofo, along with Avalokiteshvara and Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, who will come to lead them there. The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss can be very close; it only requires a heart of sincere faith and diligent practice.
A Message of Faith and Rebirth
One must have absolute faith in rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I have now arrived in the Western Land, and it is exactly as I saw it with my own eyes back then. Here, I am filled with every single day. At every moment, I continue to perform prostrations and chant Namo Amituofo. The light of Namo Amituofo shines constantly, and the Dharma sound flows unceasingly. If people in the world are fortunate enough to have faith, they should truly believe that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss exists. It is a new world where one can transcend the cycle of life and death. The aspiration for rebirth in the Western Land is a vital conviction.
To all the followers and disciples I had while I was in the world, and to all those who have heard my name, please know that this painting truly represents the Buddhas of the West. I am now following this very Buddha, continuing my diligent practice here in the Western Land. I have never been one for many words. If you have any further questions for me, you may reach out at any time. Because the Western Land is manifest right before your eyes, the reality of the Buddha’s teachings is indeed the ultimate Truth of the .
Namo Amituofo. Everyone, please practise diligently. This human body is difficult to obtain, and this life is a rare opportunity. You must strive to see the Buddha."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library