Sincerity Moves the Heavens: The Journey of Venerable Canaan

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Canaan, who sought Spiritual Deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 2,100 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on December 29, 2018.

Venerable Canaan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Canaan. Looking back across the vast expanse of time to my life over two millennia ago, I remember the quiet, dusty paths of my youth. Many monastics often travelled through the region where I lived. I knew that deep within the forests to the west, there stood a monastery—a sanctuary where these holy men dedicated their lives to the Dharma.

These monastics did not wander aimlessly; they came to our village to beg for alms and to spread the Buddha’s teachings. I would stand at a distance, watching them with a heart full of yearning. Their dignified bearing was so profound that it naturally inspired reverence in everyone who saw them. Even the villagers, hardened by the struggles of daily life, would instinctively kneel in homage. Whenever a monk saw a villager kneeling, he would immediately bend down to help them up, pressing his palms together to chant 'Namo Amituofo' to deliver them from their suffering."

The Lesson of the Beggars

"One day, I specifically asked my mother for some food, hoping to offer it to these monastics. I stood on the roadside early, waiting for their arrival. For some reason, they did not appear. Many other devotees were also waiting with offerings, but as the hours passed, frustration began to set in. Near the road, a group of beggars noticed our offerings and held out their bowls, hoping for a morsel. The devotees beside me were furious. They struck the bowls from the beggars' hands, shouting, 'You ungrateful wretches! This food is for the monastics, not for the likes of you filthy beggars!' They turned away in a huff, leaving the poor souls in the dust.

I watched as the beggars scrambled to retrieve their broken bowls, too terrified to ask for anything more. I walked over to them and quietly divided my own portion of food among them. Just as I turned to leave, one of the beggars called out to me, 'Little Bodhisattva.' I turned, and to my utter astonishment, the group of beggars had transformed into the very monastics I had been waiting for! They looked at me with such warmth, saying, 'Though you are young, you possess a heart of equality and perform good deeds in silence. It is truly admirable!' I bowed respectfully and chanted, 'Namo Amituofo.'"

A Vow to Serve

"My mother was a woman of immense strength, constantly overwhelmed by the demands of our large family. I took it upon myself to help her with the vegetable garden and the care of my younger siblings to ease her burden. One day, I told her, 'Mother, when my siblings are a little older, I wish to go to the monastery to practice.' She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. 'I know you have a heart of compassion, Canaan. You have always been the easiest to care for—never crying even when hungry, always picking yourself up when you fell. If this is the path you must take, I support you. Do not worry about us. Go, and practice well.'

At sixteen, I knelt three times before my parents to bid them farewell, deeply grateful for their love. With nothing but a simple set of clothes, I set off toward the monastery. From the high ridges, I looked down at the endless sea of sentient beings waiting for salvation, and my resolve hardened. I knew then that I must spend my life as those monks did—helping others find their way."

The Journey of a Thousand Trials

"The journey to the monastery was long, taking nearly two months. Along the way, I encountered many tests. I found a woman lying by the roadside, weeping because she had injured her feet and could not walk. Seeing no one else around, I knelt and offered to carry her home. Throughout the entire journey, I did not speak a word, keeping my heart focused on chanting 'Namo Amituofo.' When we arrived, her brother met us with anger, accusing me of having impure intentions toward his sister. I simply replied, 'I saw a suffering being, not a man or a woman. Whenever a being is in pain, I will help.' I left them and continued my path.

I had to traverse a vast, dense thicket. Using a wooden staff to clear the path, I suddenly encountered a massive, terrifying beast. It opened its jaws, ready to devour me. I felt no fear. I told the creature, 'I am willing to offer my body to satisfy your hunger, but I have made a vow to become a monk to save sentient beings. If you are willing to let me pass, you will be the benefactor of a great merit.' The beast paused, then turned away. I chanted for it, helping it take refuge in the Buddha so it might escape the suffering of the animal realm."

Sincerity Moves the Heavens

"The path grew narrower until it was completely blocked by a massive boulder. I stood before it, my heart burning with the desire to reach the monastery and save beings. I focused entirely on the Buddha-name, and suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the rock in two. Truly, sincerity moves the heavens. Beyond the rock, a wide, magnificent road appeared, filled with auspicious clouds and the sight of the great monastery in the distance. I walked forward, finally stepping onto the path of true practice.

An elder met me at the gates, saying, 'Your unwavering heart is indeed for the sake of all beings. You have overcome every obstacle, every thorn, and every test. Such a firm and courageous heart will surely attain enlightenment.' I thanked him and entered the monastery. My master tested me daily. On my first day, he sent me to fetch water from the base of the mountain—a full day's journey. On my return, I met a lame old man who begged for the water. I gave it to him without hesitation and went back down to fetch more.

By the time I returned, night had fallen. I chanted 'Namo Amituofo' to light my way, protecting every drop of water. Even when thorns pierced my feet, I did not stop to remove them, fearing I might spill the precious water. When I finally reached the monastery, my clothes were torn, and my feet were bleeding, but the water was enough for the community. My master saw my devotion and invited me to join the morning service. I wiped the blood from my feet, ignored the pain, and stood with the monastic community."

A Legacy of Deliverance

"The monastics in the monastery were incredibly diligent. After breakfast, they would find a quiet place to chant, never speaking, only focusing on the Buddha-name. Two years later, I was ordained. Even then, I continued to fetch water, using the time to deliver the spirits along the way. I saw how much the world was suffering, and I knew I had to achieve enlightenment quickly to truly help them. I was the first to ask my master for permission to leave the monastery to deliver beings, returning every few months to refine my practice. Eventually, I inherited my master's mantle, teaching others and continuing the work of salvation.

At the age of 105, I sat upon a cliffside rock and told the world, 'My time has come. I have passed on the teachings to my successors. I shall return to this human world to save those who have yet to be delivered.' With that, I sat in meditation, and my spirit left my body to return to the Western Pure Land.

Golden light suddenly filled the universe, brought forth by Practitioner Su. Countless beings came seeking Spiritual Deliverance. Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body moved with such speed that time itself could not measure it. He opened my space, allowing me to continue my work of saving spirits. At that moment, immeasurable sages and Bodhisattvas were all working to deliver their karmic creditors. The universe was alive with golden light, and countless beings were saved. This is a magnificent event, unprecedented in history, appearing in this age of the Dharma’s decline. I am deeply grateful to Practitioner Su for his great compassionate vow, which made this grand Chao Du possible, saving beings who have suffered since time immemorial. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for your compassion. Namo Amituofo."

Namo Amituofo.