The Lesson of the Fallen Monk

This is a record of an interview with Old Monk Mancheng, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life as the former abbot of Shiji Monastery in Anhui, China. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Haize, on August 31, 2018.

Old Monk Mancheng speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Old Monk Mancheng. To be able to send this message from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss to this place today is truly an inconceivable event!"

A Lifetime of Service and Hidden Arrogance

"I have been gone from the human world for many years. In my previous life, I served as the abbot of Shiji Monastery in Anhui. That is a thousand-year-old temple, a place that has weathered countless storms since the Tang Dynasty and still stands in the human world today. Every brick, every tile, every blade of grass, and every tree there represents the immense effort of the venerable masters, Dharma protectors, and devotees who have maintained and rebuilt it over the centuries. It is only through their collective dedication that it retains the appearance of a historic ancient temple. The monastics, residents, and lay practitioners within the temple all participate in Dharma assemblies and the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo, each of them striving diligently to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"However, I, Mancheng, feel deep shame! When I passed away, I did not go to the Western Land. Although I chanted the Buddha's name during my life and managed the temple's operations, including the hosting of Chao Du ceremonies, my deep-seated personal habits and ego were never truly transformed. Perhaps it was an invisible, subtle arrogance that blinded me and blocked my opportunity to change. I understood the suffering of the six realms of rebirth very clearly, yet I remained deeply trapped within them."

The Pain of Samsara and the Fall

"Many years ago, I was blessed by the compassion of Practitioner Su. She took on the suffering of beings, and a beam of golden light guided my spirit—which had fallen into the form of a dog—to her. Through the invitation of the ancestral masters, I was brought forth and guided to follow them into the Western Land. This process is difficult to speak of, but I must face it. After all, I was once a monk; I once exerted my efforts for the sake of beings and presided over Chao Du ceremonies. Yet, my own skills and virtuous conduct were insufficient. I lacked the ability to truly save beings and guide them to the Western Land. Furthermore, I was still attached to my status as an abbot; I had not truly seen through or let go of my ego. That is why I fell into the body of a dog, feeling too ashamed to face anyone."

A Call to the Monastic Community

"I state this so frankly because I hope the people of the world, especially the monastic community, will understand the heavy responsibility they carry. You are tasked with leading beings to leave suffering behind, to escape the six realms of rebirth, and to be reborn in the Western Land. When Shakyamuni Buddha was in the world, he clearly admonished future generations that in this age of the Dharma’s decline, beings would rely on the Pure Land for their achievement. Therefore, if one is a senior monastic or an abbot, and one fails to guide disciples and followers to be reborn in the Western Land, one will inevitably face judgment and punishment in the hells after passing away. Everyone, please believe this! You must be extremely cautious!"

The Significance of the Amituofo Village

"The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is where Namo Amituofo is residing here. Here, there is Practitioner Su, who has spent thirty years in diligent practice, becoming an awakened being who has realised the Dharma Body. She has performed Chao Du for immeasurable and boundless beings, guiding them to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I myself have received these benefits of the Dharma and was saved. Now, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is establishing the Amituofo Village. This project is of vital importance; it is a magnificent undertaking that benefits everyone. This place serves as a 'front station' for rebirth in the Western Land. Once you enter to study or reside in the Amituofo Village, you have the opportunity to be saved by Practitioner Su and reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"This is a wish that so many have been unable to fulfil throughout their accumulated lifetimes, yet now, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre can help you achieve it. What an extraordinary event that is incredibly difficult to find! I sincerely appeal to everyone: I hope you will participate in the construction and choose to reside there. You will surely receive the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and fulfil your heart's greatest wish! Namo Amituofo."