The Mission of a Lifetime: A Return to the Human World
An Interview with the Spirit of Chang Yung-fa
Recorded on September 25, 2019
This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Chang Yung-fa, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his return to the human realm to carry out a mission. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on September 25, 2019.
Chang Yung-fa speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Upon returning to the human world this time, Practitioner Su entrusted me with a mission of immense importance. I dare not slacken for even a single second, for I know that if I succeed, I can save many people. Why is it that I have been back in the human world for some time now, yet I have not fully accomplished the task? I have been constantly reflecting on this question. Sometimes, I ask myself: 'Is my sincerity not enough?' When I first posed this question to myself, I truly felt a sense of guilt, because deep down, I was still harbouring a trace of insincerity. That insincerity was the private selfishness I had hidden away. It is a truly strange phenomenon. Why is this? When I was in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I had absolutely no such selfishness. Why, then, did this selfishness emerge the moment I returned to the human world?
The Burden of the Physical Form
I have been observing myself incessantly. It turns out that having this 'physical body' is the root of all this trouble. Once one possesses a body, it seems one naturally wants to possess everything. Everything connected to me, I feel, should belong to me. Even if I do not overtly display this possessiveness in my actions, subconsciously, I seem to categorise everything under my own name. It is as if my home is mine, my son is mine, my career is mine—everything is mine. Even when I intend to share with others, I do not give everything away; I always reserve a certain portion for myself. Why must people be so exhausted? I cannot understand it myself. I am a being from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, yet upon returning to the human world, I am still caught up in these tiresome affairs. Sometimes, I truly laugh at my own stupidity. Have I forgotten that I am already a 'dead' person? I am, in a sense, someone who has died and returned. Why am I still calculating over things that I cannot take with me?
The Wall Between Worlds
I look at every household. We live in the same building, separated from our neighbours by only a single wall. Why does it feel as if we are in two completely different worlds? You are you, and I am I. This wall isolates our relationships, drawing a clear line of distance, leaving us without the slightest connection. In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, such a thing never happens. There is no such thing as distance, nor is there any distinction between 'you,' 'me,' and 'them.' We are all one. Our hearts are in unison with the Buddha. We study the Buddha, and we become like the Buddha. The Buddha teaches us to make vows to save all beings. I have truly made a vow to save beings, and in that state, we are so natural, so close, and so equal, without any discrimination.
Facing
Practitioner Su thinks highly of me and sent me to the human world. Sometimes, I feel I have great courage to dare to return to this world to face my own karmic creditors. At times, I truly forget my own weight and dare to let evil thoughts arise! I do not realise that beings are waiting at every moment to drown me! Fortunately, there is the daily opportunity for Chao Du, and I can still repay a portion of the karmic debts I owe. Otherwise, even if I had ten lives, I would not have a good end.
A Commitment to Breakthrough
As I see the human heart more and more clearly, I also see the blind spots I had previously overlooked. Now, I must change myself. I must possess a firmer, more resolute heart to overcome the obstacles this body brings me. Only through constant breakthroughs can I have a chance at success. No matter how much time it takes, I will continue to strive! I also clearly understand that saving people cannot be delayed—this is what Practitioner Su has been telling me all along. Therefore, I will not be lazy. I will learn to be like Practitioner Su: stop overthinking, and just keep doing the work! I am deeply grateful for the of Practitioner Su! Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library