The Life of Eternal Smiles

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Xiaoyuan, who sought deliverance 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 approximately 1,900 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on January 4, 2019.

Venerable Xiaoyuan speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Xiaoyuan. As I lie here upon the vast, verdant meadow, breathing in the sweet, earthy fragrance of the grass, I feel as though every blade of grass and every budding flower is smiling back at me. They are in perfect harmony with my own heart—a state of perpetual, gentle smiling that never fades.

A Childhood of Radiant Joy

When my mother was carrying me in her womb, her heart was always light and cheerful. People often say that pregnancy is a heavy burden, but for my mother, it was a time of effortless joy. She spent her days immersed in happiness, and she held a deep, unshakable belief that the child growing within her would be a soul of pure, optimistic radiance.

It was true. From the moment I was born, my face was filled with a natural, beaming smile that brought immediate joy to everyone who saw me. People loved to play with me, and no matter how they tried to tease or amuse me, I would always respond with genuine, heartfelt laughter. To me, living in this world was never a matter of worry, sadness, or grief. I understood that life is like a dream; one does not argue with the characters in a dream, nor does one remain trapped in the illusions of a dream once one has awakened. Everyone around me thought I was naive or perhaps lacking nerves because I only knew how to smile and never how to cry. They did not realise that I was, in fact, an awakened soul walking through the dream of life.

The Dreamer Who Woke Up

From the very beginning of my life, I had already offered this physical body to the Buddha and to all sentient beings. I ignored the needs of this body, focusing only on the suffering of others, using my presence to bring comfort and joy to everyone I encountered. My mother was often mocked by our neighbours, who ridiculed her for giving birth to a child who seemed to have no emotions, calling me a fool. But my mother would simply look at me as I played, a soft smile gracing her lips, for she knew that I was the only one truly living with authentic happiness in this world.

My mother was a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings. She understood that within my heart lay a deep compassion for all beings. Every smile I offered was a method of saving those suffering beings who stood before me. From a young age, she taught me the Dharma, and wherever I went, I would always respectfully greet others by chanting, 'Namo Amituofo.'

Choosing the Path of Liberation

The defilements of the world could not touch me; I was like a lotus flower rising from the mud, yet remaining unstained. The afflictions of this world are the root of all human suffering and the primary cause of all physical illness. Afflictions breed suffering, and suffering, when compounded by illness, becomes a burden of agony upon agony. Throughout my life, the word 'affliction' never existed for me. I was always at ease, following the conditions of life with a pure and unburdened heart. To me, all worldly affairs were merely events within a dream. Although I continued to perform my role in this dream, I could step out of it at any moment. I never allowed myself to be troubled by these illusory matters; a single smile was enough to transform the darkest clouds into clear, open skies.

All the children I grew up with eventually married and started families, but I remained alone. Many women expressed their love for me, but I would always smile and say to them, 'I have already let go of the self; I do not drift with the winds of this dream.' Everyone else in the dream followed the script of life, seeking a partner to build a family—a necessary process for the continuation of the lineage, and the very thing that keeps this dream going.

Joining the Mission of Practitioner Su

I chose not to follow the path of the masses, but instead chose the path of a monastic. Though few walked this road, it was a path filled with ease and joy. I walked without worry or sorrow, seeing the world before me with absolute clarity. Once, a young man asked me which path he should take. I smiled and replied, 'Once you have chosen a path, it is difficult to turn back. Most people choose the same road, yet they suffer so much that they long to retreat. But behind them is the vast ocean, and before them is a sheer cliff. They are caught in a dilemma, trapped in unbearable pain.' The young man looked at my relaxed, free demeanour and the dignified way I used the Buddha’s teachings to guide others toward the light. It is true: only the deluded choose a path of no return. The wise, those with good fortune, choose the path of practice. Though few tread this road, if one walks it with sincerity and diligence, the future is filled with light. One can even use the skills gained through a lifetime of practice to save the suffering souls on the dark road next to us.

My entire life was dedicated to saving those who had fallen into the dream. I lived without a self, possessing only smiles and compassion. All connections are merely part of the dream. I smiled as I used the name 'Namo Amituofo' to save those connected to me, helping them find liberation from their suffering. Namo Amituofo.

I am filled with admiration for the work of Practitioner Su in saving the world. The dream that Practitioner Su is performing in this world is truly magnificent; every single day, he helps the wandering spirits within this dream to wake up. I have joined the team of Practitioner Su, calling out to every dreamer: 'It is time to wake up!' The golden light of the Buddha illuminates every corner of this dream. There are thousands upon thousands of worlds within this dream, and all of them are still wandering in a painful illusion. This dream feels so real that the deluded find it difficult to awaken, choosing only to continue dreaming. Only by understanding the power of 'Namo Amituofo' can one unravel the false dream and return to the true path of light—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, the only true kingdom. I am grateful for the compassion of Namo Amituofo, and I am grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su."

Namo Amituofo.