Dear Lotus Friends, Namo Amituofo!

       Elder Lin Yu is 90 years old this year. When he was in his 30s, his boss bullied him, and squeezed him out of the salary he was due. However, he dared not fight back, being  burdened with the responsibility of providing for his family. The accumulated stress over the years led to mental illness, resulting in numerous hospitalizations and periods in nursing homes. After his condition stabilised, his devoted children taught him to recite the name of "Namo Amituofo." Even though he didn't fully grasp its meaning, he faithfully repeated it, much like a parrot.

       In recent years, Elder Lin's advancing age brought about dementia and Parkinson's disease. He cannot remember much of his life and the world around him, to the point of even forgetting his children's names. His ability to lead a normal life has gone. Remarkably, despite his memory loss, the name of the Buddha "Namo Amituofo" remains clear in his mind. He recites it all day long, sometimes even loudly in his sleep.

       On September 21st this year, when his wife Lin Shen Ai passed away, Elder Lin, despite his frail health, joined a group to recite Amituofo’s name for the deceased for 12 hours. His spirit and  resilience is truly admirable.

       These days, Elder Lin practises Amitabha-recitation at the Xinying Pure Land Association. Throughout each  recitation session, he recites "Namo Amituofo single-mindedly." He refrains from any idle chatter. His intense concentration and devotion to reciting the Buddha’s name is inspiring and commendable. I have  recorded a segment of Elder Lin's reciting to share with you all.

       Namo Amituofo!

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)