Reflections of Su Dongpo: From the Ghost Realm to the Western Pure Land
An Interview with the Spirit of Su Dongpo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe
to one's true nature is the only truth. Life is but an illusory dream; do not mistake it for reality. In this lifetime, the only true path is rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss.
This life is meant to be lived with a single purpose: to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the only way.
August 25, 2018
Su Dongpo:
Namo Amituofo. I am the spirit of Su Dongpo, and I have come from the Western Pure Land to share these words with you.
The Journey of a Soul
I shall begin with these words:
Once drifting through the ghost realm,
I shared stories of home with Li Bai.
Whether East, West, North, or South,
What difference is there between you, me, or others?
Within the Buddha’s gate, all are one body;
The ancient Buddha turns, and Practitioner Su appears.
How can awakening to one's true nature be contrary to practice?
I smile as I watch the clouds rise and the sun set.
With , I see the suffering of sentient beings in the dark,
My heart set on the Western Pure Land, firm as stone.
I come to visit within the light of the Buddha,
And in the name of , I behold the Buddha.
After many lifetimes as a monk,
In this life, I look back upon my past.
My journey to the West was not yet fulfilled,
Until I saw Practitioner Su complete my vow for the West.
The Wisdom of the Past
In my life as Su Dongpo, I was talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and I excelled in poetry and prose. In particular, my calligraphy developed a unique style; the 'Su style' flows through my brushwork. During my travels through the mountains and rivers, I realised that I had been a monk in a past life. My heart was vast, and I did not concern myself with trivial matters. My dialogues with Zen Master Foyin are passed down to future generations, teaching us to accept both the Buddha and filth with a smile.
The beauty of the Western Pure Land is beyond words; those who wish to know it should come and visit. Practitioner Su’s reaches into the infinite, which is why he is able to perform the for countless sentient beings. Whether one is glorious or destitute in this life, once one enters the Western Pure Land, the past vanishes without a trace. I urge the people of the world to recognise this treasure and come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia.
The Compassion of Practitioner Su
Attain immortality by chanting the name of Amitabha; though may depart from the world, Practitioner Su remains. When the spirit returns to the Western Land, we shall see each other off; the Western Pure Land is truly magnificent. Such sights have never been seen in the human world. I, Su Dongpo, bow in gratitude for the grace of Practitioner Su.
Several years ago, when the conditions were ripe, the Buddha’s compassion reached out to me. After all, I was once a disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha. Through the Buddha-light of the ghost realm, I was assisted in entering the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, where I was then studying. I met Practitioner Su and many other virtuous practitioners. I remember we had a conversation, and after the teachings of Practitioner Su and our collective chanting of the Buddha-name, I was guided by the Buddha-light to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, finally ending my long journey through the ghost realm. Counting the years, it has been nearly a thousand years, and I have finally not wasted my time as a member of the Buddha’s gate.
A Call to Diligent Practice
The Zen dialogues I shared with Zen Master Foyin, which have been passed down to this day, are a testament to the affinity between myself, Zen Master Foyin, and the people of today. It is a beautiful thing. At that time, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre was led by Practitioner Su, who guided everyone in their diligent practice. Beyond the virtuous practitioners in the human world, many sentient beings in the ghost realm and other spaces also listened to the teachings of Practitioner Su regularly. Naturally, Li Bai and I were among them.
Many of you must wonder why I ended up in the ghost realm after I passed away. Although it is difficult to speak of, since I have reached the Western Pure Land, there is no harm in sharing it as a lesson for others. In my life, I was a talented scholar who enjoyed poetry, wine, and meat. In my most beautiful moments, I naturally had the company of beautiful women. However, I could not be too overt, so I often kept these desires in my heart, not daring to speak of them. I even had a secret confidante outside my home. Thus, after I passed away, I spent my days in the ghost realm with that confidante. Now, we have each gone our separate ways, and it is all like a dream that has left nothing behind.
Practitioners, do not waste your time. Human life is hard to obtain, the Buddha’s teachings are hard to hear, and the Pure Land is hard to encounter. To meet Amitabha is the hardest of all. This is a magnificent Dharma affinity; you must be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Do not be attached to anything in this world; it is all empty, just a play. You must practise to attain an awakened being. Awakening to one's true nature is the only truth. Life is but an illusory dream; do not mistake it for reality. In this lifetime, the only true path is rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Amitabha Village
Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia is preparing to build the Amitabha Village. We in the Western Pure Land have heard this news and all applaud it. Because as long as Practitioner Su steps forward, sentient beings can be saved, and all have the opportunity to be guided by Practitioner Su to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. People of today, no matter what, must overcome all obstacles to help Practitioner Su build the Amitabha Village in this world, to purify the hearts of the people, to chant the name of Amitabha together, and to walk the path to the West together. Namo Amituofo.
This interview was recorded by Venerable HaiZe.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library