A Final Performance: From the Stage to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the late actor Zhuo Shengli, who sought Spiritual Deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his transition beyond the cycle of rebirth. Recorded by the chief writer, Li Jiaxian, on June 1, 2017.

Li Jiaxian speaks: "Namo Amituofo. Through the great compassionate Vow of Namo Amituofo, the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss was created to receive suffering beings. After Zhuo Shengli’s spirit listened to the Dharma at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Practitioner Su compassionately guided him to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss during a Thrice Yearning Ceremony. Today, Namo Amituofo resides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, opening a direct flight for the world to the Western Pure Land. To repay the grace of Namo Amituofo for saving my life, I invite Zhuo Shengli to explain the process of his rebirth. Namo Amituofo."

The Actor's Life and the Final Curtain

Zhuo Shengli speaks: "Namo Amituofo. I am Zhuo-eh. About thirty years ago, when I was performing in the show Tian Tian Kai Xin, I was a household name. Everyone made sure to watch our programme during their lunch hour. Although I wasn't particularly handsome and I wasn't the leading man, I performed every role with such conviction. It is just like people say: 'Life is like a play, and a play is like life.' I, too, performed a brilliant life.

"When I was an actor, I played all sorts of characters, and I performed them very realistically. I wanted to perform my own life to the fullest as well. However, in my later years, I fell ill—this was something I could not control. I saw those who underwent chemotherapy eventually become unrecognisable, and I did not want my final days to be like that. I was diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer and tumours. I chose not to undergo surgery or rely on medication to control the condition; instead, I chose to continue performing on my stage, keeping so busy that I would forget my pain.

"At that time, I received a script for the show Qin Qi Bu Ji Jiao. I didn't know it would become such a hit. I was busy filming day and night, and in that busyness, I forgot my illness. Perhaps this was the final great gift from Heaven. The show was so popular that I couldn't rest, and that filming schedule marked the final chapter of my life."

A Spirit Lost in the Hospital

"My life was like a play, and eventually, the curtain had to fall. I could not overcome the assault of the illness. I collapsed again, was sent to the hospital, and passed away. My play had ended, and I left this world. My spirit wandered around the Veterans General Hospital, unable to find a way out. One day, I saw the spirits of some old veterans following a beam of light to leave. I was curious, so I followed them to see what was happening. What place could be so lively? Why were so many spirits gathering there in groups, waiting in line?

"I peeked inside and saw Bodhisattvas radiating light, their faces so compassionate. Beside them, other Bodhisattvas were very busy—some were writing, some were pouring water. I didn't understand what they were doing. I squeezed to the front to get a better look. They said that ghosts from a certain place had come to seek Spiritual Deliverance, and the name they mentioned was mine—Zhuo Shengli! Oh my! What was happening? I didn't understand the situation at all. Everyone said to chant 'Namo Amituofo.' They were chanting, 'Taking refuge in the Buddha, one does not enter the hells...' I followed along and chanted 'Namo Amituofo.' In the blink of an eye, I arrived in a place so beautiful, so incredibly beautiful. The place was shimmering with light, and there was the fragrance of lotus flowers everywhere. Everyone had such kind, gentle faces. I truly didn't know where I was. I asked someone, and they told me this was the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

"Later, after listening to the Dharma here, I understood the magnificence of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. It was when Practitioner Su invited the spirits that the fourfold assembly chanted the Buddha-name in unison to send us to the West. Today, I am able to be in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and I am so grateful to Practitioner Su and the fourfold assembly. Namo Amituofo."

The Danger of Attachment

Li Jiaxian asks: "Mr. Zhuo Shengli, at what age were your three hun souls and seven po souls taken away, leading to your illness?"

Zhuo Shengli replies: "Actually, it was around the age of fifty-three. I performed every role to the best of my ability. Sometimes, when I saw a script, I would practice it repeatedly at home, and even in my dreams, I would be acting. I only realise now that entering those dream states meant my soul was being captured. I was too much of a perfectionist; I wanted to perform every play perfectly, so I entered those dreams. That is how my three hun souls and seven po souls were gradually pulled into the space within those dreams, unable to return. My body began to fall ill and develop tumours. This is what happens when your soul is pulled away. Therefore, I advise people in the world not to be too attached to any one thing. If you are too attached, you will even dream about the things you love, and your spirit will be captured. This is also what I saw after I went to the West and saw the Hsiang Kuang Temple transform into the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Practitioner Su is compassionate, with great vows and great power, wanting to save all these suffering spirits and help them uncover the mysteries of the universe. In this world, there are many dimensions; once our spirit enters these dimensions, it cannot get out. No one knows this, so I am telling everyone now. I am grateful to Practitioner Su for her compassion in sending me to the West, so that my spirit would not have to wander aimlessly in the underworld. Namo Amituofo."

A Message for Bai Bingbing

Li Jiaxian asks: "Namo Amituofo. Mr. Zhuo Shengli, I heard you were very close to Ms. Bai Bingbing. Since you and Xiaoyan are both in the West now, would you like to say a few words to her?"

Zhuo Shengli replies: "Bingbing! It’s me, Zhuo-eh. I am in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss now. Xiaoyan is here too. She is very happy. This girl is very filial; the only thing she cannot let go of is you. She has been begging Practitioner Su to send a message to you because she wants to see you. However, we have been waiting here, but we haven't received any news from Taiwan. I also know that since Xiaoyan passed away, you have been cheated out of a lot of money by some temples, so this time you are afraid to trust what others say. I can understand that.

"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Practitioner Su, and the fourfold assembly here are completely different from other monastics and temples. This Practitioner Su is very compassionate. To help this group of people find their true self, she travelled from Taiwan—a place so far away—taking a long flight to Australia to practise. Because this place is isolated from the world, it is a holy land, very pure, and very suitable for practice. That is why Practitioner Su brought the fourfold assembly here to practise. There are five Bhikshunis here; their skills are very high. They can communicate with us and can even heal people. This is not about showing off supernatural powers; this is their natural ability. This Practitioner Su is very, very compassionate. To propagate the Buddha’s teachings, she donated all her assets and lets people stay for free. Her compassion and her resolve are those of an awakened person. During the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies, she guides us departed spirits to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Xiaoyan and I are both beneficiaries. I am very grateful to this Practitioner Su for saving Xiaoyan and me from the six realms of rebirth. Bingbing, what I am saying is the absolute truth. You must believe it. Xiaoyan really wants to say a word to you. I hope you can come to Australia to meet. I have said all I need to say. When you go to sleep, prop your pillow up high, think about it, and trust me just this once. I would not lie to you. Namo Amituofo."

Li Jiaxian speaks: "Namo Amituofo. Thank you, Mr. Zhuo Shengli, for accepting my interview."