The Wind Spirit Who Defied the Storm

This interview was recorded on June 4, 2023, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The speaker is Lu Feiyang, a former spirit from the realm of wind who later served as a prison guard in the underworld. Seeking liberation from the cycle of suffering, he turned to the teachings of Practitioner Su and successfully attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The interview was conducted by the Chief Writer, Shi Fa.

Lu Feiyang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. On behalf of all the prison guards of the underworld and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, I bow in gratitude to the Buddha and to Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo.

Feiyang is the name I held in the world of wind. In that realm, there is only infinite, vast space, and we are the people of the wind. Our temperaments vary—some are unrestrained, some shy, some wild, and others gentle—but we all share one common trait: we are inherently kind. Our space exists at a higher dimension than that of humanity, which allows us to clearly observe the lives and temperaments of human beings.

The Burden of Observation

However, even though we could understand the problems humans faced, we were powerless to intervene. From a young age, my parents taught me never to interfere in the affairs of the human world; this was a strict code within our tribe.

Yet, when I discovered that the human world was about to face a catastrophe, I simply could not stand by and watch. I chose to intervene. By chance, I learned that the human realm was destined to suffer a massive wind disaster that would claim tens of thousands of lives. The death toll and the list of those to perish had already been calculated in the space-time continuum. When I accidentally stumbled upon this information, my heart was heavy with sorrow. I could not bear to see these people lose their lives, so I secretly recorded the details.

A Sacrifice for Humanity

After observing for a long time, I discovered a way to stop the Wind God from unleashing this disaster. Even though I knew that doing so might cost me my own life, I firmly believed it was the only thing I could do. I decided to take action to protect humanity from this calamity.

I descended into the human space, experiencing their lives firsthand, witnessing their joys and sorrows, their partings and reunions. I saw the efforts and sacrifices of many, but I also saw their fragility and helplessness. This only strengthened my resolve.

I tracked down the Wind God, who was preparing to release a powerful force of wind to bring about a destructive disaster. I tried to speak with him, hoping to change his mind, but I was merely an insignificant existence to him. I knew that only action could change the outcome. I merged into the wind, using all the energy and power I possessed to exhaustively block the Wind God's plan. In the midst of that fierce battle, I felt the power of the wind surging around me, waxing and waning. I knew my own strength was fading, but I felt no fear. I held fast to my resolve and fought until the very end.

The Legacy of Lotus

In the end, I succeeded in blocking the Wind God's plan and prevented the great disaster. But this was also the end of my life. I understood that I could no longer return to the people of the wind, yet I did not regret my choice. I sacrificed myself to protect humanity; it was a responsibility I had to bear as a member of the wind.

During this time, I encountered a young human girl named Lotus. She was a kind and helpful person, yet she was always in dire straits. Her family lived in poverty, often lacking enough food and water. Lotus always tried her best to find solutions, even with her limited strength. Her situation deeply moved me. Even though she could not see me, I wanted to help her. Many times, when Lotus was enduring hunger while searching for food to bring home to her elderly parents, I would use a bit of my power to blow fruit down at her feet so she could gather some to take home.

Lotus was a filial and good child with a pure, simple heart. Because of this, she was more sensitive than others, and she soon discovered my presence and expressed her sincere gratitude. One day, Lotus sensed an anomaly in the sky and realized a wind disaster was coming. She rushed home, desperate to warn her neighbors to evacuate, but no one believed her. In her anxiety, she decided to seek help from the Buddha or Bodhisattva.

The Trial of the Wind Valley

When Lotus arrived at the temple, she met an elderly monk. He told her that to stop the disaster, she needed to find the artifact left behind by the Wind God and destroy it. The artifact was hidden in an ancient cave known as the Valley of the Wind. The cave was protected by powerful winds, and only those with true courage and a pure heart could enter.

Lotus decided to challenge the Valley of the Wind. She fought her way through, encountering countless storms and obstacles. Her perseverance and kindness allowed her to gradually control the power of the wind and pass through test after test. Finally, she reached the deepest part of the cave and found the artifact. However, just as she prepared to destroy it, a sudden storm struck her. It was a test sent by the Wind God, who wanted to stop her from saving the people. Lotus resisted the storm with all her might, using her willpower and pure heart to withstand the Wind God's power.

Ultimately, she succeeded in destroying the artifact, and the storm ceased. Lotus felt a tremendous power surge into her body; she became the embodiment of the wind, possessing the ability to control it. At that moment, Lotus finally saw me. I smiled at her and said, "Go!" Lotus returned to the human world and, using her new power, fought alongside me to prevent the great disaster.

From the Underworld to the Pure Land

Many beings thanked Lotus, and her heroic actions saved countless lives. She was praised as a hero, but she humbly said it was merely her duty. Although my life had ended, I knew my mission was complete. Lotus became my continuation in the human world; she would continue to protect people and bring hope and courage. I felt comforted by my choice, for I had used my courage to change a world. Even when facing difficulties and adversity, as long as we possess a kind heart and a firm will, we can overcome everything. No matter which world we come from, we can use our strength and kindness to change the world and bring light and hope.

After my life ended, I arrived in the underworld. The Yama King saw me and smiled brilliantly; we had been friends in the past. He expressed great admiration for the decision I had made to sacrifice my life. When he asked about my future plans, I told him I wished to stay and serve sentient beings, and he smiled and respected my decision. I began serving in the Yama Hall, where I witnessed many true events of the laws of karma and cause and effect, which left a deep impression on my heart. There were many times I felt powerless, seeing pitiful beings whom I could not save because this was their own karmic debt—something no one else could bear for them.

I am so grateful to have met Practitioner Su in recent years. When I first heard Practitioner Su giving Dharma talks in the underworld, I was truly moved. The principles of the sutras explained by Practitioner Su were so profound and receptive that I felt much clearer. I followed the methods taught by Practitioner Su and began to transform myself from within. Now, I understand the need to seek departure from this cycle and to seek liberation.

That I have such a wonderful opportunity today to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is entirely due to the compassionate vows and teachings of Practitioner Su, which allowed us to wake up and know how to seek liberation. I, Lu Feiyang, on behalf of all the prison guards and all sentient beings with karmic affinity, offer my special gratitude to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I bow in gratitude for the Buddha's grace and Practitioner Su's grace. Namo Amituofo.

Lu Feiyang, with palms joined."