Going Home: A Message from Zhao Puchu

The Mirage of Worldly Existence

Have you ever witnessed a mirage? Even if you have not seen one with your own eyes, you have surely heard of this phenomenon—a deceptive appearance, an illusory image that vanishes upon closer inspection. I tell you now: your current life is exactly like this.

The character for 'void' describes a state of being hollow, a profound sense of unreality, and an underlying insecurity that you cannot quite grasp. Your life is constructed from this very 'void.' You live within a world of falsehoods, illusions, and virtual realities. Even the vanity you pursue, often without realising it, is inseparable from this state of emptiness. Why is your existence so hollow?

The Unfilled Void Within

Your heart has never been truly satisfied; there is always a gaping hole within that remains unfilled. You engage in endless, desperate cravings, all in a futile attempt to fill that bottomless pit. However, have you ever truly contemplated what is required to fill such a vast void? What could possibly satisfy it?

I, Zhao Puchu, tell you all: a Buddha-name can satisfy it. This Buddha-name carries infinite compassion and the power of repenting. It is the sincere, genuine desire to return to the Western Land, for the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is your only true home. Everything you currently possess, everything you occupy, and everything you cling to is entirely illusory—a mere phantom of the mind.

The Spirit's Silent Plea

Deep within your heart, there is a part of you that has never been revealed to the world. This is your spirit. Your spirit is fully aware of all these illusions, yet it cannot take charge of your life. It is forced to watch as your physical body remains addicted to these illusions, mesmerised by a fabricated world from which it cannot wake up or extricate itself. The cries and pleas of your spirit are drowned out by the demonic power of the desires you pursue. The truth is that the hole which can never be filled is your spirit itself. Everything you are doing right now is not what your spirit truly desires. What it longs for is a guarantee of return to the Western Land—to return to the home that truly belongs to it.

The Path of the Fourfold Assembly

Why is it that the fourfold assembly of disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are able to practise in seclusion with few desires and contentment? Why do they not pursue the confusing illusions of the dusty world? It is because the void within their hearts has been satisfied. Every act of Dharma they perform is conducted with proper decorum and discipline. They are walking firmly on the path home, guided by a goal and a faith that cannot be easily disturbed by the impurities of the world. Every member of the fourfold assembly understands clearly the vital importance of returning home.

The Open Door to Your True Home

Amitabha is our compassionate Father. You have been away from home for far too long; is it not time to return? If you are feeling lost and confused, I invite you to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The gate to your true home has already been thrown open for you. Is it not time to pick up the key, unlock the shackles deep within your heart, and allow yourself to go home?

Written by Zhao Puchu

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing