The Wisdom of the Northern Heavenly King

This is a record of an interview with Li Xin, the Northern Heavenly King, also known as Vaishravana, 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 past lives and his enduring role as a protector of the Dharma. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on November 25, 2022.

Northern Heavenly King Li Xin speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am deeply honoured to be here today. To be present in this magnificent and solemn Western Pure Land is a privilege beyond words. Here, we witness the endless golden light of Namo Amituofo, which illuminates the entire expanse of the void 24/7. Countless celestial beings from across the universe have gathered here, all eager to participate in this grand assembly. We must offer our deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su, whose great compassion and profound vows have made this solemn bodhimanda possible. My heart is filled with boundless gratitude. Namo Amituofo."

A Gathering of Celestial Beings

"I am the Northern Heavenly King, one of the Four Heavenly Kings. For many years, I have served as a protector of the Buddha's teachings. Influenced by the profound wisdom of the Dharma, I made a sincere vow to protect the Buddha's teachings and to support all true spiritual friends who uphold the truth. In China, I was known as Li Xin. Throughout my existence, I have travelled to India and many other lands, taking on different names and forms. Yet, to me, these names are merely different manifestations required by varying Causal Conditions; the essence remains the same."

The Humble Origins of a Heavenly King

"I recall a life story from my time in China. I was born into a family of extreme poverty, where even securing three meals a day was a struggle. I remember my grandmother, a woman of immense wisdom. She was quiet, rarely speaking, but if you looked closely, you would see her lips moving in constant, silent prayer. She was chanting Namo Amituofo, every word clear and distinct. From my earliest memories, she was a devout Buddhist, yet she never spoke of her practice aloud. She performed her good deeds in silence, hidden from the world. To the casual observer, she was no different from any other elderly woman, yet her heart was a sanctuary of peace."

Lessons from a Wise Grandmother

"Although our life was not wealthy, our hearts were incredibly rich. Our family possessed a profound sense of inner stability. From a young age, my parents taught me the method of maintaining a settled heart. Often, we had no grain in the house. Even when we did, it was merely a few grains of rice diluted in a large bowl of water. That was our meal. My father would say to me, 'Child, look closely at these few grains of rice. They carry infinite Causal Conditions, which is why they have appeared in your bowl today. You must look at them with sincerity. By consuming this rice water, we shall be nourished and will not go hungry. This is a gift of grace from these very grains.' When I thought in this way, I felt a sense of infinite satisfaction and joy. I never once felt that I was living a life of poverty."

The Wealth of the Spirit

"My father also taught me to observe what I possessed compared to others, explaining that these differences are merely the result of varying Causal Conditions. If one knows how to plant good causes, one will inevitably reap good fruit. Everything that every person possesses in this current life is the result of causes sown in the past. This is the nature of being reincarnated, yet it is also a realm of illusory appearances. Only by maintaining a settled heart can one break through these illusions. I never complained. I learned to be grateful for all things, for with a heart of gratitude, one can face any challenge. Everything in this world has two sides. Do not overcomplicate matters. When you choose to focus on the positive side, the negative influence loses its power. Therefore, everyone should learn to see the good in all things, to practise thinking well and seeing well, and then everything will indeed be good."

A Life Dedicated to the Dharma

"In that lifetime, I gained many insights into the nature of existence and the wisdom of the Dharma that my grandmother had instilled in me. These experiences solidified my resolve to spread the good Dharma and to let more people know of its vastness. Later, I was reborn in India into a very wealthy family, and my name was Kaniduna. I was my father's only son, and although there were other male relatives, I was the most cherished. From a young age, I was exceptionally intelligent, possessing a photographic memory. I became deeply passionate about the sutras, and I was able to master the teachings and travel far and wide to preach the Dharma to the people."

A Call to Cherish the Dharma

"My father was my greatest supporter. When I wished to travel and teach, he would arrange the venues and prepare refreshments for those who came to listen. In that lifetime, I dedicated all my wealth to the protection and propagation of the Buddha's teachings. At the end of my life, I saw the realm I was destined for: the Northern Heaven. I became the Northern Heavenly King, and I have continued to do my utmost to protect and spread the Buddha's teachings ever since."

"I am eternally grateful for the Buddha's immeasurable Wisdom, which helps beings break through delusion and attain enlightenment. Today, having the good fortune to participate in the solemn Pure Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Before I arrived, I had already been protecting this place for many years. The propagation of the good Dharma is truly not an easy task. Especially now, as the world is in chaos, with demons and evil spirits causing disturbances everywhere and false teachers spreading misinformation, I hope that all beings can cultivate concentration and Wisdom. You must learn to distinguish the true Dharma, reject what is false, restrain your desires, and maintain a settled heart."

The Rare Opportunity

"I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for her compassion and vast mind-capacity. Countless beings have received Chao Du, and infinite beings have been nurtured by the essence of the great Dharma. This is truly a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. It is the power of Practitioner Su's vows that has summoned Namo Amituofo to manifest here. Everyone must cherish and grasp this chance. Whether it is the prostration sessions every Thursday, the daily morning services, the three Dharma assemblies held each week, or the lectures on the scriptures given by Practitioner Su four days a week—all of these contain infinite Dharma affinities that you should cherish."

"Each of you must be diligent and not miss this rare opportunity. Today, having received the compassionate assistance of Practitioner Su and the great compassion of Namo Amituofo, we all bow our heads in gratitude. We are profoundly thankful to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Even though we have already attained rebirth in the Western Pure Land, we will continue to protect the great Dharma, hoping that it can save even more beings and help immeasurable, boundless beings break through delusion and attain enlightenment."

"Namo Amituofo."

"Northern Heavenly King Li Xin, with folded palms."