A Stubborn Heart Transformed

This is a record of an interview with Watanabe Takao, the father of Mr. Watanabe Hiroyuki, 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 transition from a stubborn skeptic to a follower of the Buddha. It was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on July 22, 2022.

Watanabe Takao speaks:

"I have never been one for many words. Now that I am suddenly asked to speak, I truly do not know where to begin.

My son will likely be quite astonished to hear that I have decided to come to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Before I made this final decision, I spent a long time watching and reflecting. I was observing what Practitioner Su was doing here, and I was contemplating whether the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss was truly my destination.

You all know my nature—I am stubborn, hot-tempered, and very set in my ways. I do not simply follow what others tell me; I have my own perspective on everything."

The First Encounter

"When I first met Practitioner Su at my home, I was actually quite angry. I had no desire to meet him. No matter how Yumi tried to introduce him, I simply did not like Practitioner Su. It was not that he was bad; it was just that I did not agree with his path. That day, I did not even offer him a polite face. That is my character—no one could move me, and no one could change me.

I had never once thought about death. I suppose I thought I was fearless, that I was brave. But in those final days, I felt the shadow of death drawing near, and for the first time, a cold fear gripped my heart."

The Fear of the Unknown

"After I passed, I did not even realise I was dead. I was drifting in a void, confused and lost. I was surrounded by my karmic creditors, who had me completely encircled. I was furious, cursing them and demanding they leave, but they ignored me entirely, which only fueled my rage. It was only later, when Practitioner Su reached out to guide me, that I was finally saved.

When I first saw Practitioner Su, I did not recognise him. I do not know why that memory was absent, but I saw a brilliant light radiating from him. I did not realise he was the same Practitioner Su who had visited our home."

Awakening to the Dharma

"I spent quite some time listening to the Dharma in the Dharma-Nature Land. At first, I did not listen; I did not want to, and I did not understand. I just stared with wide eyes. Eventually, the words began to sink in. It was then that I began to recognise Practitioner Su, to understand that he was saving beings and helping people. Only then did I begin to appreciate the goodness of the Buddha’s teachings.

Whenever Practitioner Su gave a Dharma talk, I would listen. But I remained stubborn; I would not chant the Buddha’s name. It was only in these last few days that I finally let go of my pride and began to chant Namo Amituofo. This has been a profound transformation for me.

Yesterday, I decided I could wait for you no longer; I had to go to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Even if I could see you, I had to follow my own path, so I chose to depart first."

A Father’s Final Advice

"I do not have much to say. I had intended to remain silent, but I thought better of it. I want to see if my son is willing to come to Practitioner Su’s centre. I know it is not easy to ask him to study the Buddha’s teachings; he has the life he wants to live. Even if earning money is exhausting, he prefers to live that way. That is life, and it is normal. But I want to tell my son: you are getting older. You cannot spend your entire life chasing money. If your two daughters are already studying the Buddha’s teachings, you should consider your own future. I was a man who did not believe in the Buddha, but now I do, because the Buddha truly saved me. I am now in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and it is so wonderful—it is beyond words.

Practitioner Su is a good man. If Yumi and Manfan can follow him, that would be excellent—far better than their current work. At least they would be helping others. You have lived to this age; you should know that life is just like this. When you grow old, you will be just like me. You will have to leave. But where will you go?"

The Reality of Karma

"I have now come to understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. Having learned so much here, I look back at you and see so many spirits waiting to claim your life. They did not come without reason. There are so many fish, so many lives you have taken to cook—they are all following you. I am not trying to frighten you; I, your father, just hope you will not fall ill in your old age. But if these spirits continue to follow you, they will likely cause you great suffering.

I hope you will save yourself. I have already scouted the path for you. If you can visit Practitioner Su’s centre, I believe you could find a good path there. Even if you do not, simply helping to prepare meals for everyone would be a virtuous act. Bring the whole family! If your mother wishes to go, take her along and see if Practitioner Su is willing to accept her.

I did not want to say these things, but now that I have, I hope you will take them to heart. I am leaving now. Make your decisions wisely and live your life well! I also want to say to Yumi and Manfan: Grandfather is leaving. Study the Buddha’s teachings well; it will be a great benefit to you.

Namo Amituofo."