The Path to a World Without Suffering

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Mudasang, who lived approximately 6,000 years ago. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded by the chief writer, Disciple Shi Fajing, on February 16, 2019.

Venerable Mudasang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Mudasang. In the realm where I once lived, there was a figure known to all as the 'Old Man of Joy.' He was a white-bearded elder who descended from the clouds, and he was revered by everyone as a celestial deity. In that pure and untainted land, many possessed innate abilities, but the Old Man of Joy was known for his absolute impartiality. Because his integrity surpassed all others, he was entrusted with the duty of looking after everyone from the clouds above."

The Guardian of the Realm

"The Old Man of Joy taught people to practise Goodness and forbade them from committing evil. If anyone harboured an evil thought or performed a non-virtuous act, the staff he carried would instantly lengthen, reaching down from the clouds to strike the offender. It served as a constant reminder that 'Heaven sees what man does,' and that one must always keep a heart of Goodness. Because of his vigilance, no one dared to act recklessly. The entire kingdom maintained excellent order, as everyone understood the difference between right and wrong, knowing their every action was under constant observation.

I was born in a stable. My mother felt a sudden pain, and before she knew it, I had arrived. My father rushed to the stable to assist, and the entire village came to offer their congratulations. My parents were known throughout the village as virtuous people who frequently performed acts of kindness. Because of this, my father was chosen as the village leader. As a leader, he had to be perfectly fair; if he ever showed the slightest bias, the Old Man of Joy’s staff would strike him, letting him know that such thoughts and behaviours were incorrect."

The Search for Innate Wisdom

"From the moment I was born, my parents observed me closely to see if I possessed any special skills. Some children are born with divine power, while others require cultivation to unlock their potential. They watched me for a full month, but I behaved like any ordinary infant, showing no special abilities. My parents understood then that I would need to rely on cultivation to unlock the instincts within my true self.

By the time I was five, I was constantly at my parents' side, learning by imitating everything they did. They often took me with them to help others, and I would do my utmost to assist anyone in need. This selfless service helped me expand my mind-capacity and nourish my compassion day by day."

A Glimpse of the Golden Light

"One day, my mother asked me to go to the riverbank to gather some wild vegetables. The soil there was exceptionally fertile due to the high quality of the river water. I spent a long time filling my large basket. Just as I was preparing to head home, I heard a sound—a melody so beautiful and melodious that I had never heard anything like it before. It seemed to be emanating from a small crack in the air.

I found the source and peered through the tiny opening. The world inside was breathtakingly beautiful; I had never seen such a magnificent sight. The gap was too small for even a finger to pass through, yet I remained there, listening to the celestial beings singing. As I watched their joyful expressions, I began to hum along to the song I had never heard: 'Na-mo-A-mi-Tuo-Fo.' Suddenly, the crack was split open by a powerful golden light, becoming large enough for me to pass through. I jumped inside and found myself in a world of pure light."

The Truth of Suffering

"A man with a shaved head walked slowly toward me and said, 'Only those with karmic affinity can see this place. Since you have arrived, stay and listen to a lecture.' I sat down and listened to the Dharma. I realised that the group of people sitting with such perfect posture and dignity were respected monks. I quickly knelt and listened respectfully as the great monk taught the assembly that all beings are suffering and that one must resolve to save them. I had never understood what suffering was, but as he spoke, I realised that people simply do not know they are suffering. From the perspective of a world without suffering, the beings in the six realms of existence are in agony.

Take, for example, the attachments people have to love. They are like frogs in warm water. As the temperature rises, they feel comfortable and swim freely, just as people feel when they first taste the sweetness of love. Their world becomes beautiful, and they are intoxicated by happiness. But as the water continues to heat up, the frog remains unaware of the danger. This is how love binds people—whether it is a spiritual shackle or a stain on the heart, they remain oblivious, enjoying the relationship. When the water begins to boil, the frog is scalded to death. This is like people who, blinded by emotion, cannot escape and continue to cycle through the six realms, suffering throughout their many lives. The suffering in this world is beyond words. If one who has attained Awakening can resolve to save others and help them break through delusion, they can be liberated from all suffering. After the lecture, I felt a surge of power in my heart—a vow to save all beings."

The Journey for the Dharma

"I was eventually awakened by a passerby while sleeping against a large rock. The golden world had vanished, and the crack was gone. Yet, I never forgot the teaching. In my kingdom, there was no Buddha’s teachings; people only followed the Old Man of Joy, who taught morality but not how to transcend the cycle of rebirth. I decided to leave my village and seek the true Dharma.

After travelling for nearly six months, I reached another kingdom. It was filled with joy, a stark contrast to my home. In my land, despite the protection of the Old Man of Joy, people still suffered from poverty, love, and greed. But here, people laughed from the heart; even the streams and flowers seemed to overflow with joy. I realised that it was the Buddha’s teachings that brought them this happiness. Those who practise the Dharma have no sorrow; every day is a good day. They cherish the teachings and follow them, so they do not generate afflictions. All suffering stems from one's own personality; without that influence, everyone is happy."

Returning as a Saviour

"I became a monk in that kingdom, learning to cultivate a heart of no-self and great compassion. It took me fifteen years to completely let go of my ego. When I returned to my own kingdom, I found it in chaos. The Old Man of Joy had vanished, and the people were helpless and suffering. My arrival was like the coming of a saviour. They followed me to the meadows to listen to the Dharma.

Day after day, I taught them. Their hearts gradually found peace, and they began to change their lives according to the Dharma. Love was no longer an attachment, and afflictions were no longer inevitable. With Wisdom, they handled all matters, and with a heart of renunciation, they escaped suffering. Under the influence of the Dharma, the kingdom experienced unprecedented peace. Those who followed the teachings were no longer plagued by illness, and death was no longer feared, for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss was always before their eyes."

Gratitude to Practitioner Su

"In this era, as long as one is dedicated to learning the Buddha’s teachings, everyone can see the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and regain the ability to save beings. I led a large monastic community to propagate the Dharma, and with the help of lay practitioners who built temples and offered support, we worked for decades to ensure the Dharma would endure. Finally, with a heart of gratitude, I returned to the Western Land.

When I entered the leg of Practitioner Su to assist in healing his injury, I was able to listen to his lectures every day. His teaching is direct, thorough, and touches the depths of the heart. Those who truly wish to save beings and follow his teachings can attain Awakening and regain their innate ability to save others in a very short time. Every word of the Dharma cleanses the stains of the heart, eradicates the habits accumulated over lifetimes, and helps one find their true self.

Today, the Dharma voice of Practitioner Su spreads throughout the Milky Way. In every space that has been opened, his voice resonates daily. Many beings come to seek deliverance after hearing the Dharma. Those who have not heard it may not yet know how to seek liberation, but those who do will certainly seek Practitioner Su for Chao Du. Because beings know suffering, and Practitioner Su’s words pierce through the delusions of the human heart, they take the initiative to seek salvation. I am deeply grateful for the great compassion and power of Practitioner Su. Namo Amituofo."