Resolving Disaster and Restoring Vitality

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Shi Changchun, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life approximately 1,950 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 8, 2018.

Venerable Shi Changchun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Shi Changchun. In the life I am reflecting upon today, I was a young monk in a monastery, often misunderstood and underestimated by my peers. It was a time of rigorous training, where the smallest actions were observed and the heart was constantly tested against the distractions of the world."

The Scorn of the Senior Monks

"Who is making such a racket?" our Master bellowed, his voice echoing through the courtyard. "Hush! Quick, quick, the Master is coming!" The senior monks, who had been gathered under the shade of a large tree, scattered like frightened animals at the sound of the Master’s lion-like roar. In an instant, they had all vanished, leaving only me—I had just been passing by and was caught standing there, looking quite foolish. The Master scolded me: "Was it you? Why are you speaking so loudly in this place of pure practice?" I knew it was the others who had been gathered there, but I simply lowered my head and apologised. The Master ordered me to the backyard to sweep, and I immediately picked up my broom and headed off.

The senior monks, hiding nearby, watched me take the blame for them. They giggled at my perceived stupidity, whispering, "Who is he? How could someone so dim-witted be allowed into the monastery?" "I heard he was an unwanted child, just picked up and brought here." "No wonder he is so slow! Haha! We shall have plenty of fun with him!" I worked hard in the backyard, gathering the fallen leaves into a pile. Just as I turned to fetch a basket to collect them for compost, the leaves scattered everywhere again. I stood there, staring at the mess. The monks hiding behind the wall snickered, "How clumsy! Look at him staring at the leaves. He must be thinking, 'Didn't I just sweep those up? How did they end up like this again?' Hahaha!" Another added, "No, he must be wondering if a great wind blew through!" They waited for my reaction, eager to see me lose my temper. Instead, I simply stared at the leaves for a moment, then quickly swept them into the basket and left. Seeing me walk away without a word, they emerged, disappointed: "Why didn't he look surprised? He just kept that serious expression. How boring! We shall have to find another chance to tease him."

The Omen and the Mission

As they headed back to their quarters, they were shocked to see me knocking on the Master’s door. "Could he have realised we were playing tricks on him? Why is he going to the Master's room?" When the Master opened the door and let me in, the monks rushed over, pressing their ears against the wood to eavesdrop. But the Master suddenly threw the door open, catching them all as they tumbled onto the floor. He reprimanded them: "In this bodhimanda, you do not know how to practise diligently, yet you spend your days idling about. Do not think I am unaware of your actions. All of you, kneel before the Buddha and repent. If you cannot reflect on your own faults, then leave this monastery at once." The monks slunk away, grumbling, "That boy is truly something else. He actually found out and snitched to the Master! We will settle this score with him later." They knelt before the Buddha, but as soon as the Master was out of sight, they became restless, chatting and even dozing off.

I spoke to the Master with gravity: "Master, may I request permission to travel to Nanzhuang?" The Master looked at me, surprised: "Nanzhuang is indeed in a state of urgency. How did you know?" I replied, "When I was sweeping the leaves, they scattered in a way that formed an omen. I saw that a disaster is about to strike Nanzhuang. I wish to go there to teach the Dharma to the people." The Master nodded: "A disaster is indeed imminent. Do not speak of this, lest you cause panic among the people." "Yes, Master, I understand."

Transforming the Hearts of Nanzhuang

I immediately set off for Nanzhuang. The people there were mostly impoverished, and the area was a place where many desperate souls gathered, often leading to conflict and vice. When I first arrived and began to teach, no one was willing to listen. Yet, I did not lose heart. I sat beneath a large tree, speaking the Dharma to the heavens and the earth. Even though passersby did not stop, they became aware that a monk was there, teaching the sutras. The Causal Conditions were not yet ripe, but the seeds were being sown.

Each day, I went to different households to beg for food. I could clearly see the suffering in the hearts of the villagers. To those with afflictions, I taught them how to transform their troubles into Bodhi, introducing them to the name of "Namo Amituofo." I told them that by constantly chanting this name, they could eliminate all obstacles. Many were moved by this. When I encountered those who were hostile, who would throw foul-smelling food into my bowl, I felt no anger. Instead, I felt gratitude toward these Bodhisattvas for their act of giving. I would eat the food with a look of contentment and joy, showing no disgust. This reaction stunned them. They would ask where I came from, and I would tell them, "You are a person of great compassion, sharing your last meal with me. The Buddha has sent me with this name, 'Namo Amituofo,' to save you." They would then begin to chant with me. I encouraged them to continue their good deeds and to keep chanting, promising that their lives would improve. For the truly destitute who had nothing to give, I taught them that by offering a single "Namo Amituofo" with sincerity, the merit was equal to giving three large bags of rice. They would chant with such sincerity, and I would guide them to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, a world where all needs are met and one's heart's desires are fulfilled.

A Village Transformed

After three months of daily visits, I had walked through every household. I continued to teach under the tree, but now, the once-empty grass was filled with people. They came to hear the Dharma with joy. I explained the laws of karma and cause and effect, teaching them to eliminate evil thoughts and cultivate a kind heart. I taught them to purify their Body, Speech, and Mind. Day by day, I spoke to them, and they were filled with Dharma joy. Those who were once filled with malice turned toward goodness. Those who appeared ugly in their bitterness began to look increasingly dignified as their hearts opened. They learned that chanting and kindness were the keys to reducing their afflictions.

All disasters are born from the hearts of men. Where there are evil thoughts, disasters naturally arise. Nanzhuang had been a place of chaos, but within a year, it had been transformed. The villagers turned their greed and selfishness into compassion. They stopped being hostile toward one another and began to live in harmony. Nanzhuang became a village of "Namo Amituofo," where the sound of the Buddha-name could be heard everywhere. The omen I had seen in the leaves had vanished; the heavens had cleared, and the disaster was averted through the power of their collective chanting and goodness. My mission was complete, and I returned to the monastery.

The Cosmic Mission

Upon my return, the senior monks were transformed. They followed me with respect, and I told them, "I do not deserve such treatment; we should all follow the path of diligent practice together." They began to change their lazy habits, and the monastic community became increasingly dignified. We worked together to help all beings break through delusion and attain enlightenment.

True practice attracts the presence of the Buddha. Practitioner Su, with his great compassion, has moved the Buddha to come to this worldly realm to save beings. I am grateful to have had the chance to assist Practitioner Su and to participate in the great work of Chao Du. I have followed the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su through the universe, where I have seen spirits capable of incredible transformations. I have helped to save many planets connected to me by karmic affinity. I once saw these planets in the sky and foresaw their destruction. It was Practitioner Su who, with great compassion, brought the energy of "Namo Amituofo" to these places, restoring their vitality. I am deeply grateful to Namo Amituofo and to Practitioner Su for this opportunity to save these worlds, even after a thousand years.