This is a record of an interview with Li Wanchang, who sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the . This account reflects upon his life approximately two thousand years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on March 18, 2021.
Li Wanchang speaks:
". I am Li Wanchang. I offer my deepest gratitude and thousand-fold thanks to Practitioner Su for his compassionate heart. It is a profound honour to participate in this magnificent event—a matter of such immense significance that I, and all those with me, will certainly lend our full strength to assist.
The world is currently undergoing a multitude of changes and witnessing strange phenomena, some of which have already become impossible to halt. People in this world find it difficult to imagine that these transformations are occurring at such a breakneck speed. By the time most people actually notice what is happening, it is often already too late. If only the people of this world could awaken, they would realise that they must stop their current erroneous behaviours. They must change themselves and begin to perform actions that are truly beneficial to society and the environment. If every individual could possess this level of awareness, the Collective of this world would have a genuine chance to be transformed."
The Rapid Changes of the World
"The Collective Karma of this world—how many people have failed to notice this? When everyone in this world thinks only of themselves, the world is bound to undergo upheaval. Such upheaval will inevitably impact the survival and destiny of all living beings. This is a truth that everyone must know. Think about it—if we do not treat this shared environment as a place we are responsible for protecting, but instead only consider our own selfish interests, what will happen when the environment is destroyed? When abnormal climates make it impossible for living beings to survive, have you ever stopped to consider where you will live then?
The survival of all life is interconnected. It is not something where one can do whatever they wanted, nor is it a place where one can simply go their own way regardless of the consequences. Seeing the changes in the world today, I truly feel a deep sense of regret. We had such a beautiful living environment, yet now, due to the insatiable desires of certain people, the entire environmental condition has deteriorated. Many species are gradually facing extinction, and beyond that, a terrifying environmental catastrophe is about to manifest. This is the Collective Karma of the world. Everyone must wake up and pay attention now; do not wait until the disaster strikes, only to find yourselves filled with regret when it is too late to change anything."
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
"Life is precious, but one must also know how to cherish it. There are things that simply must not be done, and you must never attempt them. Violating the Truth and the natural laws will inevitably lead to . Everyone must think clearly about this: life is not meant for creating karma, but for achieving liberation! I am so happy to have had this opportunity to work alongside Practitioner Su. Participating in this mission to save the world through the calling of rain is truly a meaningful endeavour, and I have learned so much from it. The Buddha’s teachings are truly magnificent. Being able to recognise and study the Buddha’s teachings has made me feel incredibly joyful and filled with .
In the past, I had never studied such profound principles. I had always followed folk beliefs, and I never knew that the Buddha’s teachings possessed such magnificent power—a power that brings about an indescribable sense of being moved. I thank Practitioner Su for all the efforts he has made for the sake of all beings. For this mission to call for rain, we will do our utmost to carry it out, hoping to align with the vow of Practitioner Su and, together with Namo Amituofo, save the world."
The Weight of Misunderstanding
"For this rain-calling mission, the heavenly realms have dispatched many divine generals, as well as numerous heavenly soldiers, all working together in unison. Regarding the distribution of rainfall, a great deal of planning has been done. At this stage, we can only work to increase the rainfall in Australia as quickly as possible. However, long-term change will require much more effort, including the Chao Du of the world’s karma and the cessation of people creating further negative karma. When these forces can act in synchronisation, breaking through the karma of this world and improving the greenhouse effect will be within reach.
There are many changes occurring in various spaces that people fail to notice, which is a great pity. Because people do not notice where these problems originate, they are often unable to make changes in time. Once the event truly occurs, the tragedy is already set, and it is too late! Therefore, I hope that through this rain-calling event, it will prompt everyone to reflect. You must make an effort for the world, contribute your own part, and know where you need to change. Seeing the changes in the world today, you must be able to awaken.
I am Li Wanchang. In the past, I was a researcher of natural energy. I often observed celestial phenomena and detected environmental changes. I knew that the changes in the future world would be immense because the rapid progress of human civilisation would inevitably bring influence and harm to the environment. At that time, I hoped to introduce my specialised knowledge to more people so that everyone would understand the balance between human survival and the environment, which is the only way to achieve peaceful coexistence. But back then, few people supported my views. Many people thought my ideas were nothing more than heretical theories; no one was willing to believe me. That era was nearly two thousand years ago, and now, those predictions have truly come to pass. The environment of the world has indeed been destroyed, and the survival of humans and various living beings has already encountered severe problems."
The Flood and the Path to Liberation
"At that time, I was looked down upon by many, who considered me unlearned and unskilled. Although I was subjected to a great deal of public criticism, I still insisted on completing my research, such as the study of celestial changes. One day, while observing the sky, I accidentally discovered an ominous sign. An evil energy was rising rapidly, and I worried that a great disaster would befall the world. After several days of research, I estimated the possible date of the event. I prepared to tell the people around me, even though I knew they might not believe me.
I disregarded everything and sent the news to every household, hoping that everyone could take precautions. Then, I went to the riverside alone and actively began building a levee. Passersby would always laugh, pointing at me. Sometimes I could hear them saying, 'Look at that madman. It is such beautiful weather, yet he insists there will be a massive flood. I really don't know why he is so persistent in researching such non-existent things.' I ignored them and continued to complete the levee project with unwavering perseverance.
One month later, the predicted date arrived. That morning, the weather was sunny, and many people laughed even louder at my actions. I did not pay them any mind; I simply packed my luggage, intending to go into seclusion in the mountains after this day and never again concern myself with worldly affairs. After noon, the sky suddenly turned dark with clouds, and heavy rain began to fall instantly. The river water rose rapidly. Fortunately, the levee had been built, which prevented a water disaster. However, several days of heavy rain still caused quite a bit of damage, though it was far less than the original karmic fate would have dictated.
After this incident, I left the place where I had lived. Because building the levee had exhausted all my savings from many years, I moved into the mountains and lived a quiet life in my later years. Until the day I died, I never returned to the dust of the world again. On the day I passed away, I saw many bright lights, and I knew that my time had come. After I stopped breathing, I was guided to the heavenly court, where the Jade Emperor personally appointed me as the Rain God, responsible for managing the local rainfall. After I agreed to take on the position, I fulfilled my duties diligently until I met Practitioner Su today. Only then did I realise that there is a path to liberation for spirits, and I wish to seek the path of rebirth.
I am grateful to Practitioner Su for allowing me to know the Buddha’s teachings and to encounter the Truth. This has given me a great sense of stability in my heart. I originally thought that performing my duties faithfully was everything, but now I know that I should also seek to transcend and be liberated from the cycle of being reincarnated. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I cherish it deeply. Every time I hear Practitioner Su give Dharma talks, the principles he speaks of awaken me, letting me know that I should also be diligent in my practice and more actively serve all beings. I am very thankful for Practitioner Su’s manifestation and teaching. I have learned to change my own life, and I am very happy to join this group dedicated to saving the world.
Being able to meet Practitioner Su is truly my blessing. I will actively complete my assigned tasks, and I will begin to follow Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su, practising diligently. Thank you, Practitioner Su, for giving me this opportunity."
Namo Amituofo.
Li Wanchang
This interview message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Fa.
Memorial Tablet: Rainfall brought to the Australian sky, the Rain God and many connected sentient beings, too numerous to count, represented by: Li Wanchang (Buddha assists in purification, restoration, and peace of heart).
Entering the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
