The Farmer in the Golden Fields
An Interview with Jackson, the Corn Bodhisattva
Recorded on October 7, 2017
This is a record of an interview with Jackson, a former corn farmer who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the . This account reflects upon his life approximately seven years ago. Recorded by the disciple Shi Fajing on October 7, 2017.
Venerable Fajing: "We are here to interview the Corn currently residing in the cold storage. Is there any Corn Bodhisattva willing to share their story? Namo Amituofo."
Jackson speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. My name is Jackson. I am a local Australian. In my human life, I was young and quite handsome—if I do say so myself. Walking through the cornfields, I felt like a star. People even approached me to model for advertisements, but I turned them all down. I had no interest in fame; I only wanted to tend to my cornfields. This vast expanse of land was left to my brother and me by our father, but my brother had no interest in the work. He preferred the comfort of an air-conditioned office, unwilling to endure the heat and sweat that comes with farming. I was different. The cornfields gave me a sense of freedom and that I could find nowhere else. I loved the natural world, the feeling of the breeze brushing against my face, and the sight of the golden fields stretching out to the horizon. Especially when the corn I had nurtured grew plump and full—my heart would simply overflow with joy! The yield was high, and corn is one of the most essential foods for the world, so the profit was good. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment in my work."
The Sudden Turn of Fate
"However, my life was cut short when I was still very young—only thirty-five years old. I died in a tragic car accident. I was driving a truck, transporting a fresh harvest of corn to the market. Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blew a piece of paper from somewhere, and it plastered itself right across my windshield. I was blinded! I could not see the road ahead at all. In a moment of sheer panic, I swerved the steering wheel to the right, and my truck collided head-on with an oncoming heavy vehicle. My truck overturned, and as I lay there, I saw my precious corn scattered all over the ground. My heart was shattered. With my very last ounce of strength, I reached out and grabbed a single, plump ear of corn before I lost ."
A New Existence in the Fields
"When I finally regained awareness, I found myself back in the cornfields. I was no longer the man I once was; I had become a single kernel within one of those ears of corn. I have been a corn kernel for three lifetimes now. It is truly rare and miraculous that I have been given this opportunity to come here today. Thank you all for listening to my story. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library