From Teacher to Earthworm: A Lesson in Greed
An Interview with the Spirit of Wang Chuan-ze
Recorded on May 14, 2017, at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
This interview was recorded on May 14, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. The spirit of Wang Chuan-ze, who had been suffering in the form of an earthworm, sought deliverance and now resides in the . This account was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Teacher, should I record the Buddha’s words or conduct an interview with a being today?"
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju speaks:
"It is the third session now. How is your energy, Venerable HaiZe?"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"My energy seems quite alright today, Teacher."
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju speaks:
"Then let us conduct a short interview!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Very well. Is there any being here who would like to be interviewed?"
The Being speaks:
"I can do it! I don't have much to say."
A Journey from the Orchard Floor
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Very well. , may I ask where you have come from?"
The Being speaks:
"I am an earthworm from the ground near the orchard."
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Oh! May I ask how you managed to make your way up to the second floor?"
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"I crawled and crawled! I am quite familiar with the terrain here. But it was still a long way, and it took us a very long time to reach this place. Once we arrived at the door, we found that you humans can reach the Buddha Hall in just a few steps up the stairs. We, however, could not climb those stairs. The wooden boards were slippery and steep, and the joints between the steps were sharp and rigid. The floor was hard as rock—we couldn't burrow through it! If it had been soil, my burrowing skills would have been top-tier. Do you know how we actually got up here?"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"The image appearing in my mind is that you stacked yourselves like acrobats, one hooking onto the other to climb up."
The Consequences of a Cold Heart
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"Exactly! We fell many times, and our bodies were covered in injuries. Also, some of you walk up and down the stairs so quickly—are you not watching where you are going? We were already keeping to the side, yet we were still knocked about by your feet. Isn't it said that practitioners should carry themselves with grace? One should be gentle and refined! Oh, forgive me! I spoke a bit harshly. You see, I was a teacher in my past life. Because I was greedy for wealth and fame, I would accept gifts from parents who wanted me to promote their children or give them special attention. This increased my popularity and brought in more students, allowing me to line my pockets with more money. In return, I would teach them extra tricks to score higher on exams. I acted against my conscience; my heart was cold. That is why I ended up as an earthworm. Yes, as the saying goes, I had 'no blood and no tears,' so I became an earthworm."
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"There was once a mother who came to beg for my help. Her son was a diligent student who wanted to take an exam, and she asked if I could tutor him first. She had no money for tuition at the time, but she promised to pay me back once she had saved enough. I refused her. I never allowed students to owe me money. I know now that I was wrong. I betrayed the way of a teacher. The path of a teacher is not meant for profit. Therefore, after I died, it was only right that I was judged and sent to live as an earthworm."
A Path to Deliverance
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"That is truly terrifying! To have been a teacher and then, due to greed for wealth and fame, to be reborn as an earthworm in the next life. Your story can truly serve as a warning to everyone. May I ask how many of you there are? It would be safer for you to first ascend to the -Nature Land to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, and then make a vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. That way, you will surely reach the West. Practitioner Su can first help you restore your bodies, and then you can listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. This is a very important matter."
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"Very well!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"May I ask how many of you there are?"
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"There are two hundred and eighteen of us earthworms. You can record me as the representative; my name is Wang Chuan-ze. I was an overseas Chinese, and you know that for an overseas Chinese, struggling in a foreign land is very difficult."
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Yes, that is easy to imagine. For the sake of survival, the six realms of rebirth are full of suffering. That is why Practitioner Su will certainly help you shed your earthworm bodies and return to human form. You must work hard! Chant the Buddha-name with a single, focused heart, and vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"I will. Thank you for giving us this opportunity here to leave suffering behind and escape the life of a crawling creature. Thank you!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Thank you to the great of Namo Amituofo! Thank you to Practitioner Su for overcoming all obstacles. To save beings, she has dedicated her body and mind to the service of the world, working diligently and tirelessly. Only through such effort does she have the ability today to save immeasurable and boundless beings, guiding them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
The Earthworm Bodhisattva speaks:
"Thank you to the great compassion of Namo Amituofo! Thank you, Practitioner Su! Thank you, everyone."
This interview message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library