On October 11, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, a spirit who had taken the form of an asparagus was interviewed. This spirit, who identified himself as Dicklia, sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Practitioner Su. In this testimony, he recounts his former life as a renowned Italian culinary expert and the mysterious circumstances that led to his rebirth as a vegetable. This record was documented by the disciple Shi Hailiang.
Dicklia speaks:
". I am the one. I have decided to step forward myself. You might be wondering why I am the one speaking, as another was originally chosen for this interview. However, because of the constraints of time, that asparagus had to be returned to the refrigerator. Now, it is my turn. Fortunately, as I was once a person who travelled the world, I have a keen eye for opportunity, and I realised that this was the perfect moment to represent my kind and share my story.
"Let me tell you, the journey here was quite an experience! After I was loaded onto the transport vehicle, we travelled along, swaying back and forth until we arrived at what seemed to be a vast, open prairie. I caught the familiar scent of cow manure and the earthy, comforting aroma of fresh grass. I soon realised that this was the home of the buyer. I am an asparagus, but strangely enough, I can read. I saw words written on the gate of this place, though I did not have time to decipher them before we were inside. As soon as we entered, I heard the sound of birds chirping, and a voice seemed to echo: 'Welcome to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre... Welcome to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre...' Before I knew it, I was placed into a large refrigerator."
The Life of a Culinary Expert
"My name is Dicklia, and I originated from a farm in the countryside of Melbourne. We are green asparagus, and our farm owner is a true expert in the cultivation of our kind. He understands our value deeply—not just our economic worth, but the immense nutritional benefits we provide. He has dedicated his life to researching us, and let me tell you, we are packed with rich nutrients that far exceed those of most other fruits and vegetables! We have the power to regulate human metabolism and boost the immune system. The owner knew that we would bring him great wealth. However, ever since I learned that I was to be interviewed, I have felt a profound sense of light and warmth that I have never experienced before.
"You are very perceptive to notice that I have a past. In my previous life, I was a culinary expert—specifically, an expert in Italian cuisine. Asparagus is considered one of the top ten delicacies in the world. When one sets out to create a dish that is perfect in colour, aroma, and taste, the most critical first step is to select the finest, freshest ingredients. I had a particular passion for asparagus; selecting the perfect stalks was my greatest talent. I even owned my own asparagus garden. Whenever I walked into that garden, there was always an inexplicable pull, a magnetic force that would lead me directly to the stalks that had just reached the peak of ripeness, as if they were calling for me to take them. It was truly mysterious!"
The Final Dish and the Transition
"I remember the day I received an invitation from the Michelin evaluation committee. I was so excited! I worked tirelessly, experimenting with different ingredients to create the ultimate dish. I was so busy, so consumed by my work, that I became completely exhausted. I felt as though I were drifting off to sleep. In that moment, I felt that same magnetic pull again, but this time, the asparagus garden was right there before my eyes. I realised then that I had stopped breathing. I had passed away. And just like that, I became an asparagus.
"It sounds quite tragic, doesn't it? To go from a celebrated chef to a vegetable on a plate? But I am so incredibly fortunate. I was purchased by Practitioner Su and brought here to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Because of this, I no longer have to remain in the form of an asparagus. I have been given a chance to transcend this cycle."
A New Path to Liberation
"There are fifteen of us here, and I, Dicklia, am the representative. I will remember to chant Namo Amituofo. I am so deeply grateful for this interview, and I am eternally thankful for the of the Buddha. Namo Amituofo."
