A Life of Joyful Awakening

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Xiaoyuan, who sought 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 approximately 1,900 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on January 4, 2019.

Venerable Xiaoyuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am the Venerable Xiaoyuan. As I lie here upon the vast, verdant grass, breathing in its sweet, earthy fragrance, I feel as though every blade of grass and every tiny flower is smiling back at me. They are in perfect harmony with my own heart—a state of perpetual, gentle smiling.

When my mother was carrying me in her womb, her heart was always light and cheerful. People often say that pregnancy is a heavy, arduous burden, but for my mother, it was a time of effortless joy. She spent her days immersed in happiness, firmly believing that the child growing within her would be a soul of pure optimism and light.

A Childhood Bathed in Joy

It was true. From the moment I was born, my face was filled with a natural, radiant smile that brought immediate joy to everyone who saw me. People loved to play with me, and no matter how they teased or interacted with me, I would always respond with genuine, heartfelt laughter. To me, living in this world was never a cause for worry, sadness, or grief. I understood, even then, that one does not argue with the characters in a dream, nor does one remain trapped in the scenarios of a dream once they have awakened. Everyone around me thought I was simply empty-headed—that I only knew how to laugh and never how to cry. They did not realise that I was, in fact, a dream-awakened being.

From the very beginning of my life, I had already offered this physical body to the Buddha and to all sentient beings. I let go of the 'self' regarding the needs of my own body, seeing only the suffering of others, and used my existence to bring happiness to all. My mother was often mocked by our neighbours, who ridiculed her for giving birth to a child who seemed to lack normal emotions, calling me a fool. Yet, whenever my mother looked at me playing, she would simply offer a soft smile. She knew the truth: I was the only one truly living a life of authentic happiness in this world.

The Dreamer Who Woke Up

My mother was a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings. She understood that within my heart lay a deep compassion for all beings. Every smile I offered was a method of saving the suffering beings before me. From my earliest years, she taught me the Dharma. Wherever I went, I would always respectfully greet others by chanting, 'Namo Amituofo.'

The defilements of this world never touched me; I was like a lotus flower rising from the mud, yet remaining unstained. The afflictions of this world are the root of all suffering for humanity, and they are the primary cause of all physical and mental illness. Afflictions breed suffering, and when suffering brings illness, it is truly suffering upon suffering. In my entire life, I never knew the meaning of the word 'afflictions.' I was always at ease, following the conditions of life with a pure and unburdened heart. To me, all the affairs of this world were merely events within a dream. Although I continued to perform my role within this dream, I could step out of it at any moment. I never allowed these illusory matters to cause me distress. A single smile was enough to transform the darkest clouds into clear, open skies.

Choosing the Path of Liberation

All the children I grew up with eventually married and had families of their own, but I remained alone. Many women expressed their love for me, but I would always smile and say to them, 'Xiaoyuan has let go of the "self"; I do not drift with the winds of this dream.' Everyone else in this dream followed the script, seeking a partner to build a family—a necessary process for continuing the lineage, and the very reason this dream continues to play out.

I did not follow the path of the masses. Instead, I chose the path of a monastic. Though few people walk this road, it is a path of immense ease and joy. Without afflictions or sorrows, I could see the world before me with absolute clarity. Once, a young man asked me which path he should take. I smiled and replied, 'Once you have chosen a path, it is difficult to turn back. Most people choose the same road, yet they suffer so much that they long to retreat. But behind them is a vast ocean, and before them is a sheer cliff. They are trapped, caught in a dilemma of unbearable pain.' The young man looked at my relaxed, free demeanour and the dignity of my Dharma appearance. He saw how I used the Buddha’s teachings to guide people toward the path of light. Indeed, only those who are lost choose the path of no return. A wise person, one with good fortune, will always choose the path of practice. Though few tread this road, as long as one walks it with sincerity and diligence, the future is filled with light. One can even use the skills gained through a lifetime of practice to save the suffering souls on that other, darker road.

Joining the Mission of Deliverance

My entire life was dedicated to saving those who had fallen into the dream. I lived without a 'self,' possessing only smiles and compassion. All karmic affinities are but a dream, and I smiled as I used the name 'Namo Amituofo' to save those connected to me, helping them find liberation from their suffering. Namo Amituofo.

I am filled with admiration for the work of Practitioner Su in saving the world. The dream that Practitioner Su is performing in this world is truly magnificent; every single day, she helps the wandering spirits within this dream to wake up. I have joined Practitioner Su’s team, calling out to every dreamer: 'It is time to wake up!' The golden light of the Buddha illuminates every corner of this dream. Within this dream, there are thousands upon thousands of worlds, and all those beings are still wandering in a painful, illusory state. This dream feels so real that those who are lost find it difficult to wake up, and so they continue to dream on. Only by truly understanding this 'Namo Amituofo' can one unravel the false dream and return to the true path of light—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the only true kingdom. I am so grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, and I am so grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su."

Namo Amituofo.