Collective Comfort and the Sacred Vow: The Fourteenth Letter of President Zhao Puchu
The Fourteenth Letter of President Zhao Puchu
July 28, 2017
The Sacred Vow of Renunciation
"You have renounced the home life!" When a friend who has not seen you for a long time utters these words, their tone is often filled with profound astonishment. This exclamation is usually followed by a series of concerned questions. In their words, you can hear a worry that far outweighs any sense of congratulation or . Why has the situation become this way? It seems that the sacred, noble nature of renouncing the worldly life has been largely forgotten by the modern world.
The Erosion of the Monastic Spirit
During the periods of the True Teachings and the Semblance , the act of renunciation was considered a magnificent and momentous event. The dignified bearing and the rigorous practice of monastics commanded deep respect and reverence from all people. However, as the tides of time have shifted, the monastic community has, in many places, unfortunately devolved into a state of collective comfort. We must ask ourselves: what has become of the noble mission of those who have left the home life?
- The Influence of Worldly Trends: The fleeting fashions and secular trends of the mundane world are now clearly visible within the monastic community.
- Distraction by Mundane News: The latest sensational news topics are passed from mouth to mouth among monastics, replacing the study of the sutras.
- Loss of Distinction: When one sees monastics mingling in the crowded aisles of department stores, one must wonder: has the difference between the monastic life and the secular life been reduced merely to the style of one's robes and the absence of hair?
The Urgent Mission of the Monastic
Renunciation does not necessarily require extreme asceticism, but it certainly should never be a life of ease and indulgence. The path to the of Ultimate Bliss requires monastics to serve as beacons and guides for all beings. The suffering of sentient beings is vast, and it is the sacred duty of the monastic to extend a helping hand to rescue them. Do you still remember these fundamental tasks? Do you still hold the vow to save infinite suffering beings?
To lead others to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must first ensure that you are capable of achieving it yourself. If you continue to follow your current mode of practice, you will find that there is no place for you on the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Instead, the path you are currently treading will lead you toward the intense, chaotic life of the lower realms. While you still possess the power of choice, you must make a decisive and clear-cut decision.
A Call to Return to the Right Path
If you still harbour the aspiration to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must act with urgency. I implore you to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre as soon as possible. There, you will have the opportunity to readjust your mode of practice and realign your life with the true path that leads directly to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not let this precious opportunity slip through your fingers, for the time to awaken is now.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing.
More from Lay Practitioners
The Truth Behind Auspicious Signs: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng
Many have asked why a practitioner who displayed auspicious signs during chanting still fell into the hells. Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng, father of Venerable Ding Hong, shares his personal testimony on the reality of karmic debt and the saving grace of Namo Amituofo.
A Message from the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu
Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu speaks from the Western Pure Land, offering profound insights on the mission of Practitioner Su, the presence of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and a heartfelt call for practitioners to seize this rare opportunity for Awakening.
Transforming the Mind: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan
In this profound interview, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the deep connection between our mental state, the laws of karma, and the path to true healing. By understanding the role of karmic creditors and the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, we can learn to transform our minds and find liberation from suffering.
The Crucial Choice: To Change or Not to Change
In this profound dialogue, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the vital necessity of repentance and the courage required to change one's ways. He addresses the heartbreaking reality of those who refuse to listen to guidance, the cycle of karmic retribution, and the urgent call for practitioners to act with compassion to save suffering beings.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 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 and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, 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 in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du 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 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library