The Rainmaker's Vigil: A Spirit's Reflection on Taiwan

This interview was recorded on April 25, 2021, by the chief writer, Shi Fa. It features the testimony of Chang Hsiu-yun, a former teacher from Quanzhou who, after passing away in Taiwan, assumed the role of the Electric God of Northern Taiwan. In this account, he reflects on his life, his transition to the spirit realm, and his experience witnessing the recent drought in Taiwan and the subsequent deliverance brought by Practitioner Su.

Chang Hsiu-yun speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am a man from Quanzhou who crossed the sea to Taiwan. Under the great shifts of history, I was forced to follow the Nationalist government to Taiwan; I was already fifty years old when I arrived. Back in Quanzhou, I was a teacher with a wife and three children. When the government retreated, the situation was so sudden and chaotic that I could not bring them with me. That is how my family was torn apart.

After twenty years in Taiwan, I fell in love with this land. Life was not wealthy, but the people were simple, pure, and looked out for one another. We endured the hard times together—that is the true spirit of Taiwan. Because of this, I developed a deep emotional bond with the island. After I passed away, through certain Causal Conditions, I became an Electric God, guarding this land. Taiwan has experienced many changes, including earthquakes and typhoons. I have watched it all, and every time, I believed that Taiwan would pull through. This time, when Taiwan faced the suffering of a water shortage, I was initially confident, but as I watched the water levels drop lower and lower, I could not help but feel anxious. However, under the Law of Truth, I cannot simply intervene as I please. Relying on my own strength is not enough to bring rain; I must coordinate with the Wind God, the Rain God, and the Thunder God. Every time we carry out our duties, the intensity of the wind, the number of lightning strikes, and the amount of rainfall are all predetermined. It is a matter of timing and Causal Conditions; we cannot just do as we please."

The Arrival of Deliverance

"Just as the reservoirs were about to sound the alarm, the figure of Practitioner Su appeared in the sky, leading a team for Chao Du. They swept through the entirety of Taiwan, taking away the wandering spirits who had nowhere else to go. As Practitioner Su’s Dharma Body radiated light, many spirits felt a sense of curiosity and followed the light. The resentment from the killing of sentient beings in central and southern Taiwan had caused spirits to accumulate throughout the space. The rivers were drying up, and the fish, shrimp, plankton, and seaweed dying of thirst were constantly crying out in pain, yet no one knew. Practitioner Su saw this clearly, and fortunately, he used his Dharma Body to restore them.

The drought that Taiwan encountered was actually predictable. As the hearts of the Taiwanese people changed with the times, the natural environment was polluted for the sake of enjoyment and tourism. To keep up with global trends, people pursued their desires, and to satisfy their appetites, they engaged in killing. All of this created a suction force in the space that drained the water drop by drop. The sins created out of ignorance must still be repaid; a price must be paid. This is something everyone should reflect upon."

A Debt of Gratitude

"If Practitioner Su, a fellow Taiwanese, had not set his heart on praying for rain, I cannot imagine the extent of the people's suffering. A life without water would cause all kinds of misery, affecting not only the human world but the very physical world of the land itself.

On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I kneel and kowtow to Namo Amituofo, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, Practitioner Su, the Dharma protectors, and the fourfold assembly of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I can see the Buddha radiating great light in the space. The sentient beings are kneeling and kowtowing upon seeing the Buddha and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Some of the harmed creatures are weeping, and those who chant the Buddha's name kneel down immediately. All the sentient beings in Taiwan are deeply moved. Now, as the Dharma assembly is underway, large groups of Taiwanese spirits are receiving the compassionate Chao Du from the Buddha and Practitioner Su. Practitioner Su is a native of Taiwan and the pride of the Taiwanese people. I hope the people of Taiwan know that this water shortage was helped by the Buddha. I kneel, covering my face in gratitude."

A Life of Teaching and Connection

"I am from Quanzhou, and after coming to Taiwan, I lived in Lukang, Changhua. When I first disembarked at Keelung Port, many people were actively looking for work to survive. I had some money and valuables with me, which allowed me to hold on for a short while. I lived frugally, eating two steamed buns and a bowl of hot water for a meal. I wandered the streets for nearly a month, unable to find a suitable job. After receiving a letter from a fellow villager, I decided to head to Lukang, which was a booming port at the time. I transferred buses several times and arrived after a full day. The scene before me was completely different from the north.

Through the introduction of my fellow villager, I found a local who was willing to help. He ran a rice shop in Lukang and introduced me to a job pounding rice. It was physically demanding, but at my age, I was just grateful that someone was willing to hire me. After five years, I felt my strength failing, so I decided to use my savings to start a small business selling 'liang gao' (sweet rice cakes). My wife used to make them for me back in Quanzhou, and I researched the recipe based on my memories. The taste was a sweet reminder of home. The business went well, and the local elders were very supportive. Especially during festivals, families from the major clans in Lukang would order my cakes. My small stall was well-loved; everyone ate with joy, and I worked with joy."

From Lukang to Taipei

"Years passed, and Lukang became my second home. I spoke with a thick Quanzhou accent, but eventually, I could speak a few phrases of authentic Lukang-style Taiwanese, which made my business even more personable. Over the years, Lukang changed significantly, gradually declining from a major port city. Industries moved away due to the lack of geographical convenience. The prosperous city changed, and my business suffered, but the profit did not matter to me. I was alone; if I was full, the whole family was full.

When I was nearly sixty, I received a letter from another fellow villager in Taipei. He wanted to start an elementary school and was looking for teachers. He knew I had been a teacher in Quanzhou, so he wanted to hire me. I was overjoyed and decided to leave Lukang after nearly ten years. I had made many friends there, and I felt a bit reluctant to leave. I made rice cakes and gave them to everyone I knew as a farewell gift. After taking the bus north, my friend met me at the station and helped me settle in. The next day, he showed me the school. It was not large, but it had everything needed. There were already twenty students. Seeing their vitality, my heart felt bright and young again. I bowed to greet the children, and my friend told them to call me 'Teacher,' but the children said, 'He looks like a grandfather.' My friend immediately stopped them, saying, 'That is impolite.' I waved my hand and told the children, 'If you want to call me grandfather, then call me grandfather! I am very happy to be called that.' The children gathered around me, shouting, 'Grandfather, Grandfather!' I laughed heartily, wearing a kind smile."

A Heartfelt Legacy

"I began teaching with my heavy Quanzhou accent. At first, the children could not understand me, but over time, they naturally understood. I taught them from the basics of reading and writing, and we became very close. Sometimes, families could not afford to send all their children to school, so I told them to bring their siblings, and I taught them for free. My friend said this would break the school's rules, so I used my free time to teach the children who could not afford tuition. Most of the children were obedient and filial, often coming to learn after finishing their chores at home.

When I was fully immersed in teaching, a middle-aged woman came to help with the cleaning. She worked very diligently every day. One noon, as I sat resting under a large tree, she came to sweep and we chatted. She said she was an orphan; her parents were killed by the Japanese, and she was adopted by kind people. She had lived a very hard life. My heart ached when I heard her story. Her name was Li-zhu. We enjoyed each other's company and would often talk under that tree about life, the past, and the future. Before long, we became companions without marriage. I was sixty-eight, and she was fifty-eight. My friend called me an 'old fool,' but I did not explain. Our spiritual companionship meant more to us than anything else.

I retired at seventy. After retirement, students would often visit me at home and invite me to participate in the major events of their lives. I spent my days chatting with Li-zhu and tending to our flowers. We accompanied each other until the illness found me, and Li-zhu walked with me through the final stages of my life. In my twenty years in Taiwan, the local customs and the warmth of the people left a deep impression on me. Although I was from Quanzhou, I truly considered Taiwan my home. When Taiwan opened up for travel back to the mainland, I did not go back, because I knew that even if I saw my family, the feelings would be different. So, I did not dwell on it."

Service Beyond Life

"I was born in Quanzhou and died in Taiwan. I thought I would become a Taiwanese ghost, but I never expected a light to come and receive me. I arrived at the first level of the Heaven Realm. A few years later, the Jade Emperor summoned me and asked if I would like to serve as the Electric God of Northern Taiwan. I did not hesitate; as long as it was for the service of Taiwan, I was willing. After serving as the Electric God for forty-five years, I encountered the water shortage. The Jade Emperor summoned me again, instructing me to cooperate with Practitioner Su to help Taiwan pray for rain. If Taiwan's merits and Blessings were sufficient, and if the resentful spirits in the space were willing to let go, I could assist in bringing rain. I nodded. As Practitioner Su unraveled the many layers of space in Taiwan, the beings all headed toward the light, and I saw everyone kneeling in gratitude. Practitioner Su specified that the rain should fall on the reservoirs. We followed his instructions and arranged the rainfall. Once the rain fell, it irrigated the reservoirs and temporarily relieved the suffering of the sentient beings. Both the human world and the sentient beings were filled with joy.

I am grateful to the Buddha and Practitioner Su for helping Taiwan; otherwise, the suffering of the drought would be unimaginable. Regarding the water shortage, I hope the people of Taiwan will also reflect upon themselves. I am grateful for everything."

Chang Hsiu-yun

Memorial Tablet: The many spirits lingering in the space of Northern Taiwan, and the countless spirits suffering from the drought and thirst. Represented by: Chang Hsiu-yun (seeking restoration, seeking purification).

Entered the Western Dharma-Nature Land of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.