The Botany Student Who Became a Scallion

This is a record of an interview with a spirit who had taken the form of a scallion, seeking to be saved at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now seeks rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life as a university student and his subsequent cycle of rebirths. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on October 6, 2017.

Venerable HaiZe speaks:

"Yesterday afternoon, Practitioner Su brought back a carload of fresh vegetables and fruits. It was decided that I would interview a few of them. One of the items I chose to interview was a scallion. I went to the refrigerator to find the scallion I was to interview; it was lying flat in a Styrofoam box alongside the other vegetables. I picked it up to take a closer look."

The Scallion speaks:

"I have been waiting for a long time!"

Venerable HaiZe speaks:

"Very well! Please, tell me your story."

A Life of Growth and Purpose

"I grew quite well, didn't I? I am green where I should be green, and white where I should be white. I grew up sturdy, not bloated or malnourished. Some scallions look plump and white, which might look appealing to the eye, and they are not cheap either, but despite their appearance, they lack that distinct scallion flavour. Others grow in poor soil, lacking nutrients; they struggle just to sprout a tiny green tip, and once they reach a certain height, they simply cannot grow any taller. Their variety only allows them to reach that stage, though their flavour is decent enough when chopped. I, however, was among the best of those growing normally; my growth rate and the pungent aroma of my leaves were just right."

Venerable HaiZe speaks:

"That sounds quite impressive. You are very confident and have a clear understanding of yourself. May I ask your name and how you came to be a scallion?"

The Botany Student's Tragic End

"I was a university student, majoring in botany. My name is Paul. From a young age, I had a special interest in plants, so naturally, I chose this field of study when I grew up. Many young people enjoy it! We studied the history of plants from various countries. I know you are from Taiwan; our professor once mentioned that because Taiwan is small and densely populated, living space is limited. Consequently, people's interest in planting flowers and vegetation is generally limited to appreciation, and there are fewer young people interested in the actual cultivation. But here, it is quite different. Many people truly love gardening and find genuine satisfaction and joy in the process of planting. Perhaps it has to do with the national culture.

"One day, when we were studying aromatic plants, the professor asked us to choose a plant to grow in the school's planting area. I chose the scallion. I felt that it is an indispensable seasoning in the cuisine of every country. It is very easy to buy, but if you need it and it is missing, the dish loses its character. It plays such an important role. It grows simply, with only two colours, and has good economic value, so I chose to plant it in my plot. I already had several stalks ready for harvest.

"Once, we had to do a field observation report. I went to the mountains to find a clear angle for a photograph, but I accidentally fell into a valley. It was the middle of winter, approaching Christmas. My classmates were leaving one by one to prepare for the holidays, and no one noticed that I had not returned to school. It was only after my family waited anxiously, unable to reach me, and notified the school and the police, that they found me at the bottom of the cliff. Three days had already passed. I was severely injured and on the verge of death, with only a flicker of consciousness remaining. The last thing I saw with my final ounce of strength was the look of anxiety on my professor's face. They put an oxygen mask on me, and I struggled to make a sound. The professor sensed I wanted to speak, so with the permission of the medical staff, he moved the mask slightly. What I wanted to say was: 'Professor, the scallions I planted are almost ready for harvest!' But I only had enough strength to squeeze out one word: 'Scallion.' I saw tears glistening in my professor's eyes, and he nodded. He understood what I meant because I had discussed with him several times how to cultivate them to grow sturdy and fragrant. Shortly after, due to severe dehydration, hypothermia, and loss of fluids, I departed from the human world that day."

The Cycle of Rebirth

"I remember very clearly that my spirit returned to the school to look at the scallions I had planted. I even crouched down to smell them. For someone studying botany, the sense of smell is crucial; one must be able to distinguish different scents. After that, a thought arose in my mind: 'They grew quite well!' I even smiled and nodded. To my surprise, in the midst of a hazy, dreamlike state, I found myself becoming a scallion seedling in the soil! I began another kind of life right there. I would grow, be pulled up, and sold. Sometimes, if no one bought me, I would be left aside to wither and turn yellow, and then I would return to the soil as a scallion seedling again. It seemed as if some invisible force was controlling it all.

"I have been a scallion many times—at least a hundred times. I do not know how much time has passed; time is not important to a scallion. Today, I heard from my companions that we have the opportunity to be saved, to break free from this current state and return to our original human form. This is truly a monumental event. Although I have become very accustomed to being a scallion, I still look forward to a new beginning for my life. Thank you all."

A Rare Opportunity for Deliverance

Venerable HaiZe speaks:

"Your story is truly remarkable. Congratulations! Such an opportunity is difficult to encounter in millions of years. You now have the chance to go to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss! You must learn to chant 'Namo Amituofo'! And you must head towards the golden light!"

Paul speaks:

"I understand! I will! I have been listening all day, and I will chant 'Namo Amituofo'!"

Venerable HaiZe speaks:

"That is wonderful!"

This interview was recorded by the Buddhist disciple, Venerable HaiZe. Namo Amituofo.