Real Life Story 1:

Lotus-born Beings Series: Tanbadhiya

'Across Lands and Lives: A Journey of Compassion'

Spiritual Message received by Venerable HaiZe

19th July 2018

Original Piece: https://amtbpureland.cc/ZuGpi

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I am Tanbadhiya. I was born in India in the year 221 CE, into a respected Brahmin family. I was the only son, with three older sisters and three younger ones. My parents and sisters loved me dearly. I was tall, strong, and considered the pride of the family. Life was smooth and comfortable. Our home was often visited by nobles and officials, and I never knew what suffering was.

One day, a new servant named Agang came to our house. His father, an old servant, had fallen ill, so Agang came to help in his place. He was young, hardworking, and respectful. I remembered him because he often cleaned my room.

When I was ten, I suddenly had severe stomach pain. Medicines didn’t help, and even the best doctors couldn’t find the cause. I was in so much pain I could barely sleep. Then, in a dream, I saw a glowing forest hut. Inside was a kind old woman, chanting softly. She smiled, touched my head, and said, “Compassion blessing.” When I woke up, the pain was gone.

Later, a mysterious old woman came to our house asking to see me. My father happened to meet her at the gate and was shocked when she described the dream—something only my parents, our housekeeper, and I knew. We invited her in and treated her with great respect. I recognised her face immediately. I thanked her and asked if she could teach me how to heal like she did. My father agreed, and she stayed with us.

She taught me about compassion, generosity, and the practice of chanting “Namo Amituofo.” She also taught me meditation—visualising Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha)’s light while chanting. For two years, I stayed close to her, focused on learning and practicing. My behavior became more mature and peaceful.

After two years, she took me outside the city to see the lives of poor and suffering people. I saw a starving old man, a tired mother with crying children, and elderly people digging in the dirt for food. I was shocked and heartbroken. I asked her, “Why do they suffer like this?” She said, “It’s the result of karma and the truth of the six realms of rebirth.”

She explained: the six realms are hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, gods, and asura realm. Even within the human world, some live like gods, while others suffer like beings in hell or as hungry ghosts. I asked, “Can we help them?” She said, “Yes, but only if you practice well, reach enlightenment, and are reborn in the Western Pure Land.”

She described the Western Pure Land—a place of peace and joy created by Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha). I made a vow to be reborn there and help others.

From then on, I practiced seriously. I chanted “Namo Amituofo” day and night, stayed focused, and felt calm and strong. At age 15, I asked my father to let me travel and continue my practice. He agreed, and Agang came with me.

On our journey, I gave food to the hungry, comforted the sick by chanting and visualizing Buddha’s light, and taught others about karma and rebirth. I encouraged everyone to chant “Namo Amituofo” and wish to be reborn in the Pure Land. I never returned home. Agang and I remained single, traveled far, and helped many people. We were always joyful and free from worries.

At age 35, while resting under a tree and chanting, I smelled a lotus fragrance and saw a bright light. Amitabha Buddha appeared. My heart was peaceful and clear. I followed him and was reborn in the Western Pure Land.

Before I left home, the old woman gave me a note:

“Travel the world, help all who come to you, and spread the teachings of Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) and the Western Pure Land.”

She was actually Practitioner Su, who came from the Pure Land to help me. I am forever grateful to Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) and  Practitioner Su.