The Red Apple on the Offering Table: A Story of Deliverance

The Joy of Returning Home

I am here, and before I depart for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, I wish to share my story. I am the spirit currently manifesting as the red apple resting upon the offering table. My heart is filled with immense joy, for I know that I am finally going to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Although I have never seen this magnificent place with my own eyes, I have observed all of you who have come to participate in this Dharma assembly. You are dressed in such clean, bright, and radiant attire; you appear so dignified and serene. Everyone here is preparing to journey to the West, and I am to join you. I have listened to all of you speak of the beauty and peace that awaits us there.

The Compassionate Guardians of the Dharma

There is another group present here—a very large group indeed. They appear solemn, yet they possess a profound sense of dignity. They have told me that they have taken on new names, calling themselves the Bodhisattvas from beyond the universe. They are participating in this Dharma assembly with the utmost sincerity and gravity. However, I noticed that not many of them are actually departing for the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss just yet. I asked the eldest among them why they do not choose to go now, given that the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is such a wonderful place.

He first told me that he no longer considers himself an elder, for he is now a Venerable of the Dharma. I apologised for my presumption, and he kindly answered my question. They explained that this temple is also a remarkable place, as it already embodies the state of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. They will continue to depart for the true Western Land of Ultimate Bliss one after another, but they choose to remain here for a while longer. They explained that by staying, they can still perform good deeds and assist in upholding the True Teachings. He told me, this red apple, that they had created significant negative karma in their past lives. If they were to ascend to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss without first performing good deeds to balance their past actions, they would feel ashamed to face Namo Amituofo or their teachers who are already there. They are mostly eminent monks and virtuous practitioners who possess very deep cultivation. Therefore, they are currently in a state of repenting and making amends for their past mistakes. Their teachers in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss are already aware of these circumstances, so they are waiting for the right opportunity. Once their affairs are settled and complete, they will return to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is what they shared with me. I feel truly blessed to have encountered such a unique group of Venerables as my friends. How fortunate I am to be this red apple.

A Life Cut Short by Suffering

When I was a child, I was very much loved. I had a fondness for crisp, bright red apples. I lived in Australia, and my nurse would often purchase apples of a standard price for me. They were slightly tart yet sweet—the most delicious flavour I could imagine. I was born with a serious illness, and eating apples was actually a recommendation from my doctor. I ate one apple every day, yet I could not withstand the rapid progression of my disease. I was born with leukaemia and passed away at the age of thirteen. When I died, my entire body was pale, and I was too afraid to even look in a mirror. I loved those bright red apples so much, yet I never possessed such a healthy, vibrant complexion myself. During the final stages of my illness, I was constantly vomiting and could not keep any food down. The only thing I still craved was an apple, but I was no longer able to chew. My doctor kindly prepared apple juice for me, processing it in a special way so that I could still satisfy my final wish.

From the Shadows of the Grave to the Light of the Buddha

I was an orphan, and I relied on the support of the hospital to help me heal. I accepted every medical treatment plan, but in the end, the efforts were unsuccessful. When I passed away, I was sent to a public funeral home. It was such a gloomy, chilling place. I was terrified of that environment, and I wept continuously. Even though I was already a cold, lifeless body, I was still gripped by fear. I was deeply traumatised, and my remains appeared pale and bluish-grey. Because I had no family, I was cremated very quickly. My ashes were scattered in a section of the public cemetery designated for tree burials. I was fortunate enough to be near an apple tree. I saw the tree laden with fruit, but they did not look sweet at all. Because they were in a cemetery, no one cared for them, and no one would ever pick them to eat. The process of death was so terrifying that I simply hid myself within one of those apples.

The Final Journey to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

I remained as an apple in that way until one day, I saw a family bring offerings, including some truly delicious red apples. I drew close to them, and that was how I was finally able to transition. Eventually, I made my way to their home, then to a market, and finally to an orchard, until this time, I manifested as a delicious red apple. I was brought to this temple to become an offering. Because of the memorial tablet for fruits, I was finally able to receive the benefit of the Chao Du ceremony. These real-life processes of existence are all experiences gathered bit by bit, and at last, I can bring them to a conclusion. I am truly happy. I have finished speaking, and I will be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss during the second session of the Dharma assembly.

Venerable Shi Faxi: May I ask if you still require a memorial tablet to be set up for you? May I ask your name?

Red Apple: My name is Jessica. I already have a fruit memorial tablet, and that is sufficient. I am so grateful that I was able to be interviewed. Thank you all. Namo Amituofo. We shall meet again when the conditions are right.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable Shi Faxi.