This is a record of an interview with Venerable Fuhui, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon her life and her message to the devotees of Jiuhua Mountain. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa-Xi, on June 25, 2017.
Venerable Fuhui speaks:
". How is everyone doing? During the early years of the Republic of China, I became a monastic, driven by a sincere vow to save the world. However, at that time, no one believed in my mission. Because of this, I chose to remain silent from then on. I did not want people to create negative by slandering me, for I knew that my skills were genuine. I understood the laws of karma and cause and effect; if people were to blindly criticise me, they would suffer the consequences. I thought it better to remain quiet than to let others create such heavy karma.
My skills were innate, a part of my very being. Under the guidance of the compassionate Master Cihang, I came to understand my destiny. Although I had been married and had children, I eventually walked the path of saving the world. Once I became a monastic, I left my family behind forever. I dedicated my heart entirely to the work of salvation. It was a difficult road, a path filled with thorns, yet I never uttered a single word of complaint."
A Life of Silent Sacrifice
"I was a person who walked through life in a state of confusion, understanding very little of the world. I did not know that my skills could be used to save the world, nor did I truly understand what it meant to heal the sick. In truth, my appearance and my voice today are meant to confirm one thing: Practitioner Su, your true attainment is authentic. The people of Jiuhua Mountain in Tongluo have always believed in this kind of genuine skill. It is real; it is not the deviant path that outsiders have criticised. The compassionate support of Master Chan and his great prestige provided a true, powerful force. I dare not call myself a 'Master who saves the world,' for the true work of salvation is happening right here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
Although I possessed skills and could truly heal the sick, my strength was insufficient. I relied only on my own power, not the power of the Buddha. During the process of healing, I knew clearly that I might have to sacrifice myself, or even endure great suffering, but I was never afraid. On the contrary, I gave of myself even more actively. From the moment I began healing, my body bore a constant, heavy burden—the burden of those beings who were unwilling to leave, whom we call . Most of the people who came to me for healing had no practice, or at the very least, had no intention of repenting; they simply wanted their illnesses to vanish.
I did not care about their character, though I could clearly perceive what was in their hearts. I saw so much of the human heart that I eventually chose not to look, not to listen, and not to smell. In the end, I chose not to speak. Whoever came to me had a karmic affinity. If they were willing to believe that I could heal them, I would do my utmost to satisfy their wishes. Yet, there were times when powerful spirits refused to leave. At that time, my ability had not yet reached the Western Pure Land, nor could I send them there. I could only send them to the heavenly realms or back into the human world. Thus, my affinity in this world was very magnificent, as most of them would reincarnate as humans. This is one of the reasons why the temple flourished later on."
The Burden of the Healer
"I never spoke of the physical agony I endured during the healing process. Later, I relied entirely on the protection and compassionate energy of celestial beings to keep my body from withering away. I knew clearly that my abilities were not the best—there is always someone better, and heavens above the heavens. But I gave my all to complete my mission. Towards the end, my physical body could barely take in any food, yet I could endure such pain. I had long ago seen through the emptiness of the physical form, so no matter how arduous the labour, I could bear it.
I believed in Guanyin, which was not wrong, but the depth of faith and the nature of one's vows determine the destination. Without the right path, one cannot reach the Western Pure Land. My life ended while I was in a deep meditative state. I entered this state out of necessity, as I could no longer bear the final onslaught of energy. There were far too many external spirits, and my physical body had reached its limit. Yet, I still wanted to save people. I entered samadhi to observe the situation, and only when I knew the end had truly come did I choose to let go.
At that moment, I knew that one day, a true master who had attained the Western Pure Land would come to Jiuhua Mountain. That person is Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, along with the group of young messengers of salvation under her. When I gave up my last breath, I did not re-enter a body. I followed the celestial beings to the heavenly realms, where I enjoyed endless karmic fortune. I had never dared to hope for the Western Pure Land, but this affinity made it possible. I am so grateful. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and Practitioner Su have done their utmost to pave the way for you all."
A Call to the Devotees of Jiuhua Mountain
"I have walked this path, and my disciples still honour my memory to this day. To the disciples of Tongluo Mountain: you believed in your old monastic, and now, your old monastic can offer you these teachings. Are you willing to believe? The same ability and attainment exist here, and now, this place is the shortcut to the Western Pure Land. I hope you will all come to see for yourselves. My life's dedication was for this very moment—I only hope that you will believe this once. Come and see the old monastic in the Western Pure Land. You should spare no effort in supporting the Buddha’s teachings. Namo Amituofo.
To those in charge, please make contact with this place. This is my true intention: to see a new flourishing of the Dharma at Jiuhua Mountain.
