The Nature of Truth

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Puchu, who sought deliverance 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 the nature of reality and the path to liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on June 1, 2018.

Puchu speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Puchu. Large, bold characters appeared in the mid-air before me, inscribed with the word 'Truth'. Why this word? Perhaps you are confused. Let me, Puchu, ask you: what is truly real, and what is merely a fabrication? Can you make the necessary discriminations between them? Think about it—can you truly tell the difference?"

The Illusion of Reality

"Some people might say that what they see before their eyes is real, and what they cannot see is false. They believe that what can be touched is real, and what cannot be grasped is fake. They think that what happens right now is real, while what they imagine in their hearts is false. They believe the present is real, while the future is merely a dream. These kinds of answers appear one after another, but tell me, which one of them is actually correct?

In truth, everything that you cannot take with you after death is false. Can you understand this? Even you, as you breathe right now, are living in a state of falsehood. Each inhalation and each exhalation are merely fleeting moments, a brief span of time. Before you know it, you will be a wandering spirit in the void. Where have those things you once called 'real' gone now? The jewellery you once wore on your body has already been buried in the dirt, or perhaps it has been divided up and taken by your children. If I were to ask you again at that moment, 'What is real and what is false?', the answer would be entirely different."

The Necessity of Letting Go

"If you wish to grasp the truth, you must let go. Only by letting go can you truly attain the truth. This is not some clever riddle or a play on words; it is the sincere counseling that I, Puchu, offer to the masses. I have looked upon the panic, the unease, and the restlessness of the human heart. Every soul is screaming for help, but the physical body is simply unable to hear it. People are so easily led astray by false desires, becoming completely disoriented and lost.

When the body is exhausted and your time in this world is finished, your spirit will leave the body in an instant. You will find yourself crying and running in every direction, unable to find your way. If you claim that this is not suffering, let me tell you clearly: your spirit is truly suffering. If you are still willing to listen to my loyal counseling, then save your helpless soul. Help yourself by learning to let go of everything that is false."

Following the Path of Namo Amituofo

"Follow the footsteps of our Buddha, Namo Amituofo, and adhere to the teachings of the Buddha. Learn and improve yourself, bit by bit, every single day. Furthermore, help those around you who are just as ignorant as you once were. Let us all chant Buddha's name together and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo."