The Wisdom of Leaving the Cycle of Rebirth

This is a record of an interview with Jin Rongshou, who sought Chao Du 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 transition to the Pure Land. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on November 10, 2023.

Jin Rongshou speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su. I am Jin Rongshou, and I have successfully arrived in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. There are so many people in my life to whom I owe a debt of gratitude—those who encouraged me and those who offered me their helping hands when I was in need.

The Limitation of Good Deeds

From a very young age, I understood the fundamental Law of Cause and Effect: that good deeds bring good rewards, and evil deeds bring retribution. Because of this, I did my best to teach those around me and my children to always act with kindness and goodness. However, now that I have arrived here by the side of Namo Amituofo, I have come to realise that simply teaching people to be 'good' is not enough. The most important lesson of all is to teach people how to transcend this world entirely.

Living in the human world, everyone becomes so accustomed to using this physical body that they mistake everything about it for the absolute truth. People obsess over their immediate feelings—their anger, their dissatisfaction, their fleeting desires—never stopping to consider that these are all merely temporary, passing phenomena. I did not understand this either, not until I had the opportunity to listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su. Only then did I realise that this body is merely borrowed. When we come into this world and take on a human identity, if we can utilise it to achieve something greater, then life takes on a completely different, profound meaning.

A Legacy Beyond Emotion

In the past, I lacked the karmic fortune to understand these truths. Now, I wish to leave behind what I have learned for my descendants. Therefore, rather than focusing on the expression of mere worldly emotions, I want to leave behind something of far greater significance.

I truly hope that my descendants can step out of their ordinary lives, come to understand the principles of the Buddha’s teachings, and find the opportunity to dedicate their hearts to serving all beings. I pray for the blessing of Namo Amituofo. This is not out of selfishness; rather, it is my sincere hope that if more people can change their perspective, more people can be helped.

Breaking Free from Samsara

This world is becoming increasingly chaotic precisely because of selfishness. I hope that the members of the Jin family can use their unique talents to help others—to help them understand that this human body is something we must eventually transcend. I hope you will all take the time to truly understand what the cycle of rebirth really is. Every one of us is suffering in this cycle, unable to find a way out. Now that I have finally escaped it, I must express my deepest gratitude to my daughter-in-law for helping me receive Chao Du, which allowed me to awaken to these truths. I hope that you, too, can find your way out.

In closing, I am filled with gratitude for the Buddha, for Practitioner Su, and for the fourfold assembly of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, who all worked together to help me transcend. I am now here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, smiling as I learn from the Buddha, and I have made a vow to return to help all beings.

With deepest gratitude.

Jin Rongshou, with palms joined in reverence."

Namo Amituofo.