The Generosity of Venerable Mugaluoxi

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Mugaluoxi, who sought Chao Du 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 2,450 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on February 10, 2019.

Venerable Mugaluoxi speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Mugaluoxi. I remember with vivid clarity the weight of the water pot upon my head. It was a vessel of pure mountain spring water, collected after a long, arduous trek through the rugged wilderness—a journey that consumed an entire day of my life. I balanced it with the utmost care, my neck muscles straining, determined to reach the mountain cave to offer this humble gift to the Sangha Jewel residing there. Every step was a test of my resolve, for the path was steep and unforgiving, yet my heart was light with the intention of service.

The Scorn of the Wealthy

Along the path, many people cast looks of utter contempt my way. One man sneered, his voice dripping with disdain, 'Don't tell me you intend to offer that pathetic pot of water to the venerable monks! How could a mere pot of water be an offering? Don't make me laugh!' Another man, draped in fine silks, boasted, 'Look at the gold and jewels in my chest, prepared for the monks. Surely, they are far more valuable than your stagnant water. Look at your tattered clothes—they are repulsive. Why would the monks ever accept your water?' They flaunted their offerings, mocking me because I was the poorest person in the entire town, yet I remained silent, my focus unwavering.

The monks were practicing in a cave at the mountain's peak. The climb was treacherous, requiring immense time and physical endurance. One wrong step meant falling into the abyss, so everyone moved with extreme caution. Many scrambled to be first, believing that being the first to offer would grant them the greatest merit. I, however, yielded to them all. I walked at the very back, not competing, focusing only on protecting the water I carried for the monks, ensuring not a single drop was spilled in my devotion.

The Elder's Lesson on True Generosity

When we finally reached the cave entrance, everyone was panting, exhausted from their frantic climb. They presented their lavish gifts one by one, eager for recognition. Only after they had finished did I slowly approach. Many waited to see me humiliated. I knelt respectfully before the monks, offering the water. Whispers broke out among the crowd: 'How dare he bring a pot of water! He is showing disrespect to the Sangha.' But then, an elder monk stepped forward and accepted the water with a gentle smile. He said to me, 'This water is vital to us. Living here on the peak, water is difficult to obtain. You have helped us greatly; because you brought this up, we do not need to descend the mountain and can continue our practice with focus.'

The crowd was stunned into silence. The elder used this moment to teach the donors: 'The merit of offering to the Sangha does not depend on the worldly value of the item, but on the Bodhi heart—the heart of compassion—with which it is given. Anything that helps a monk practice diligently on the Buddha's path is a magnificent field of merit. Do not measure the value or the quantity of the gift. Once, a monk lived in a wooden hut with a gap in the wall. When the wind blew, it disturbed his meditative concentration. A donor offered him a single piece of wood to fill that gap, allowing the monk to practice in peace. That monk eventually attained Buddhahood and saved countless beings. The donor gained immeasurable merit, clearing ten lifetimes of spiritual obstacles. Another time, a donor gave a tattered hat to a monk caught in a snowstorm. That simple hat was worth more than priceless jewels, for it allowed the monk to return to the temple and continue his practice. That donor was blessed with a long and healthy life. Whether the offering is large or small, what matters is the sincerity, faith, and compassion of the giver.' After the elder finished, the monks returned to their diligent practice.

A Son's Devotion

When I returned home, I found my mother resting in bed. She had been ill for over a decade. During those years, I was the only one who cared for her. My brothers, fearing the cost and effort of her care, had long since left with various excuses. I, however, was grateful for her life-giving grace and tended to her every day. As she groaned in pain, I sat by her side and began chanting Namo Amituofo. Under my focused and sincere chanting, her pain eased. She opened her eyes and said, 'My child, you have suffered much with me. My heart aches to see you so thin. I know my time is short. After I am gone, do not waste your life in this world. Becoming a monastic is your dream; practice well and help all beings.' I nodded, seeing her skin and bone frame. I vowed then that I would leave home to help beings escape the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

The Path to Awakening

Ten days later, my mother passed away while I chanted. Alone in the empty house, I packed my bags and left the door open for anyone in need. I walked until I reached the mountain peak. I asked the elder monk, 'Master, may I become a monk?' He replied, 'When you came before, I saw your sincerity, but your heart was still tethered to your mother. Today, I see your heart is firm and you have let go of all attachments. Stay here and practice to help all beings.' I knelt in gratitude.

I cherished every day in that cave. While my fellow practitioners sat on stones to chant, I sat outside in the scorching heat, testing my concentration, endurance, and persistence. I treasured every teaching from the Master, taking every word into my heart and putting it into practice.

A Transformation of Spirit

When those same donors returned to the mountain, they did not recognise me, for my appearance had changed greatly; I wore the robes of a monk with immense dignity. They offered food to me and the others. One sharp-eyed person realised I was the 'poor man' from before. They were shocked and knelt to repent: 'We were blind! We did not recognise a virtuous monk and spoke such cruel words. Our sins are great!' I did not hold it against them, and they were spared from the consequences of their past speech. Through this act of giving, they resolved their past karmic debts and gained great merit.

Fifteen years later, I left the cave as an awakened being. I travelled to towns and cities, preaching the wonderful Dharma. The people cherished the teachings, and whenever I arrived, they gathered to listen. I seized every moment to introduce the Buddha's teachings, hoping to save all beings and lead them to chant Namo Amituofo and leave suffering behind.

Deliverance in the Universe

I spent my life without regret, working on the Buddha's path and leading many to chant and learn. In the end, I returned to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss with a single invocation of the Buddha's name.

Since Practitioner Su began the work of Chao Du, the universe has become vibrant, shining with golden light every day. Countless beings are being saved from the sea of spiritual obstacles. In the universe, I saw the beings connected to me through countless kalpas, still trapped in space. Only when Practitioner Su opened my space were they able to hear the Dharma and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am deeply grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."

Namo Amituofo.