An Interview with Lin Ze Xu （林則徐） The National Hero who bans Opium

1. Early Life and Foundations Parental Influence: Lin Zexu credits his strong moral foundation and integrity to his virtuous parents, particularly his father’s emphasis on character over rote memorization. Spiritual Awakening: He acknowledges his mentor, Fujian Governor Zhang Shicheng, for recognizing his talent and introducing him to the Pure Land Dharma Gate, the law of karma, and the daily practice of reciting sutras. 2. Historical Actions and Karmic Awareness The Opium Eradication: When destroying confiscated opium by pouring it into the sea, his Buddhist beliefs prompted him to write the Proclamation to the Sea God to warn aquatic life. Looking back, he regrets not instructing the sea creatures to chant the Buddha's name for their spiritual liberation. Worldly vs. Spiritual Duty: Despite a sincere desire to alleviate suffering and save his nation, Lin acknowledges that his focus remained bound to the "worldly path." He relied on sutras for guidance but never fully achieved spiritual transcendence. 3. Death, Hell, and the Wandering Spirit Karmic Debt: Lin reveals that he died without chanting the Buddha's name, consumed by a fiery and unchanged temperament. Consequently, he fell into the hell realm to face karmic creditors. Wandering the Earth: After 100 years of suffering in hell and sincere repentance, he was released. He spent the next 75 years as a wandering spirit, witnessing the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the impermanence of human life. 4. Salvation and True Realization The Chao Du Ritual: Lin’s salvation arrived when he encountered Practitioner Su conducting a Great Chao Du (a Buddhist deliverance ritual). Hearing the chanting of "Namo Amituofo," he was transported to the Western Dharma-Nature Land. Redefining Practice: In the Pure Land, Lin realizes the flaws in his mortal practice. He had treated Buddhism as a philosophical tool for worldly life rather than focusing on the transformative power of chanting "Namo Amituofo" to eliminate the ego and transcend the cycle of rebirth. Ultimate Takeaway: He contrasts his own past superficial practice with the selfless, transcendent vows of Practitioner Su. Lin is now dedicated to sincerely chanting the Buddha's name, striving to abandon his worldly attachments, and learning to genuinely save himself so that he may one day save others.