The Fleeting Beauty of Human Fireworks

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Gao, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon his observations of the spiritual realms and the nature of human existence. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 1, 2023.

Venerable Chang Gao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Chang Gao. The 'human fireworks' of this world—those fleeting moments of brilliance and joy—are truly beautiful, yet they are so incredibly short-lived. They dazzle the eyes for a single, breathtaking instant, only to vanish and leave the world in darkness once again. When we look at these human fireworks, should we not feel a deep sense of awakening? Think about it—is this not the very nature of our existence in the world?"

Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body brings forth a golden Buddha-light that illuminates the entire globe. Within this world, there exist immeasurable and boundless sentient beings, including those of us who still possess a human body. Our lives are so brief, and in the end, we all return to the spiritual realms. Even in our moments of greatest enjoyment, there is almost always a bitter aftertaste of suffering hidden within. As I look upon the spirits in the Earth's space, and then look at the people living their lives, my heart is filled with such profound emotion. How I wish that everyone could wake up soon, so they do not have to continue wandering in this endless cycle of rebirth.

The Golden Light of Deliverance

Today, I witnessed a vast multitude of giant butterflies. Each one was adorned with a kaleidoscope of colours, truly magnificent to behold. These butterflies are rarely seen in the human world; they mostly appear in remote, desolate places where few people tread. Their appearance is so unique and striking that if any human were to see them, they would surely be filled with astonishment and praise.

There was one black butterfly in particular. Beyond its deep, velvety blackness, it was decorated with seven vibrant, shimmering colours. These colours made its black wings appear not just dark, but incredibly ornate and majestic. It was a beauty that transcended the ordinary.

The Butterfly of Sorrow

I watched this magnificent black butterfly closely. As the golden Buddha-light brought by Practitioner Su illuminated it, the creature transformed back into a human form—a lonely woman dressed in exquisite, ornate robes. I was able to see her past in an instant. It turned out that she had once lived a life of immense wealth and luxury. She had been a simple, innocent woman, but she had eventually withered away in the 'human fireworks' of her own life. Because of her attachments to emotion, she had become a dark, lonely spirit.

The loneliness and sorrow in her heart were just like the black of her butterfly form. The seven colours that adorned her were the beautiful memories of her past, but even with so many memories, they could not hide the darkness of her grief. Her heart was in such pain. She did not know how to detach herself from these past memories, nor did she understand how to let go of those fleeting human fireworks to seek a brighter, eternal future.

A Heart Awakened

When Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body brought the golden light to restore her to human form, she was so moved that she wept tears of gratitude. Seeing her own true self again, looking back at her past, and then gazing toward the future, this lonely woman finally awakened. She said to me: 'Life is so full of suffering, yet I did not know how to leave it. My heart was tied to so many people, but where are they now? I saw countless beings before me, and now, finally, I see the Buddha-light. We are all fellow sufferers, trapped as lonely spirits for thousands of years without a way out. I am so grateful to have met Practitioner Su today. With every recitation of the Buddha-name, I found my way out. I have voiced the sorrow and pain in my heart, and now that the suffering has ended, sweetness has arrived. My heart is filled with joy. Every thought is of the compassionate Namo Amituofo, and every thought is of Practitioner Su’s compassionate rescue.'

The Path to Liberation

I looked out at that vast sea of butterflies. Each one was so beautiful, yet every single one of them had the word 'suffering' written upon them. The human fireworks pass away so quickly, leaving behind only these butterfly forms. But now, they have finally returned to human form. Each one shakes their head in regret for the past, no longer looking back, but instead focusing their hearts on chanting Namo Amituofo to seek liberation.

Every day, the Chao Du ceremonies are truly magnificent. So many sentient beings finally have the opportunity to be saved. Practitioner Su is truly the embodiment of ultimate compassion. All these spirits kneel on the ground in gratitude. It is a sight that humbles the soul.

Namo Amituofo."