The Return of the Old Monk

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Yuan Dao, who sought Chao Du 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 his life approximately 2,170 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on February 2, 2019.

Venerable Yuan Dao speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yuan Dao. Before I was even born, my mother dreamt of an old monk who came to pay his respects to her. He bowed with profound reverence, then transformed into a lotus flower that vanished before her eyes, leaving the entire room filled with the sweet, pure fragrance of lotus blossoms. In her dream, she caught a glimpse of herself—she appeared as a tall, robust man, and she realised that she, too, had once been a monastic. She did not fully understand the meaning of this vision, but she sensed it was deeply connected to the life growing within her, a soul returning to continue a journey of great compassion.

A Blessed Arrival and the Recognition of Past Vows

On the day I was born, the heavy rain that had drenched our town for an entire month suddenly ceased. The villagers emerged from their homes, overjoyed to see the long-awaited sunlight. The rays bathed the earth, illuminating every blade of grass still glistening with raindrops. The air was filled with the refreshing, earthy scent of soil and greenery, a fragrance that brought peace to everyone's heart. My father decorated our home with lanterns and banners, and my grandfather made a generous offering to the local temple. My entire family welcomed my birth with the blessing of 'Namo Amituofo'.

When my mother looked at my face, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. A few days later, it dawned on her: my features were identical to those of the old monk from her dream. She finally understood that I was the reincarnation of that very monk. Looking at my solemn, dignified appearance, she whispered, 'Due to past Causal Conditions, the old monk has returned to be my child. He must have come back by the power of his vows. I will surely do everything in my power to help him save beings in this human world.' From my earliest years, I was immersed in the Buddha’s teachings, and my family eagerly anticipated the day I would follow the path of a monastic.

The Wisdom of a Child and the Practice of Generosity

Even as a small child, I possessed a natural wisdom. My meditative concentration and insight were evident in everything I did. To nurture the abilities I had cultivated in past lives, my mother brought me to the temple to listen to the sutras. Many devotees worried that a child so young would be disruptive or unable to comprehend the teachings. To their surprise, I was the most attentive of all, sitting with my eyes wide open, listening with complete focus. I loved wearing prayer beads, and I would watch my grandmother chant, mimicking her movements with my tiny hands, turning the beads and making sounds that resembled chanting, much to the delight of my family.

One day, while we were eating—a time when silence was strictly observed—I suddenly began to chant, 'Namo Amituofo'. Everyone froze in disbelief. When I repeated it clearly, their surprise turned to joy. Once the meal was finished, my grandfather lifted me up, begging me to chant again. I happily obliged, chanting 'Namo Amituofo' over and over, confirming to everyone that I had indeed returned to practice and attain Buddhahood. My family was deeply committed to Generosity. My mother distributed rice to those in need; my father donated to the poor; my grandmother gave to anyone she encountered; and my grandfather, beyond his temple offerings, spent his time introducing the Dharma to others. Whenever they went out to perform these acts of kindness, they brought me along. I observed their compassion and learned to emulate their boundless heart, eventually learning to give away my own sweets and even my shoes to those in need.

Life as a Little Novice and the Path of Service

Under their guidance, I learned to distinguish between what was right and what was wrong. They nurtured my compassion and expanded my mind-capacity. By six, I was already explaining the basics of the Dharma to other children. By eight, my family began discussing sending me to the temple. When my grandfather asked if I wanted to become a monk like my uncle, I answered without hesitation, 'Yes! I want to save beings just like my uncle and the masters at the temple!' At eight, I entered the temple and became a little novice. My upbringing had prepared me well; I was accustomed to serving others and had no attachment to the 'self'. I worked hard, learning to serve the community with the same diligence I had seen in my parents.

I was grateful for the foundation my family had provided, and in the temple, I spent my days listening to the scriptures, bathed in the Buddha-light, and refining my character. My heart was always anchored in the Buddha-name. I never forgot the great compassion of Namo Amituofo, and I used the chanting to remind myself to follow the teachings of the sutras and to lead beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, just as Amitabha Buddha does. I eventually left the temple to travel and spread the Dharma. I would stay in various locations, living among the people, understanding their customs, and teaching them the Buddha’s path. My natural affinity allowed me to connect with them, and those who listened to the Dharma began to understand the beauty of chanting and the importance of seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

The Eternal Mission of Saving Beings

Though my attainment was high, I sought no fame. When wealthy patrons tried to flatter me, I would stop them, saying, 'Those who are unknown chant with their hearts; those with a little fame chant with their mouths; those with great fame only chant with their eyes.' I refused to let the pursuit of reputation distract me from the true essence of practice. I wore patched robes and worn-out straw sandals, travelling everywhere to save beings. I lived a life of simplicity, indifferent to fame and wealth. When my last pair of sandals finally fell apart, I walked barefoot, stepping forward toward my eventual rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

I have also saved spirits throughout the universe, though my power did not match that of Practitioner Su. Today, through the compassion of Practitioner Su, I am able to follow in her footsteps to save beings across the cosmos. Practitioner Su does not open spaces one by one; she opens infinitely layered spaces in less than a second. With a wave of her hand, 1,162 Venerables were able to open their own connected spaces. Countless Bodhisattvas and eminent monastics are now working alongside her, delivering spirits who have yet to find liberation. I am deeply grateful for Practitioner Su’s great vow. Countless beings have been saved because of this. Namo Amituofo."