This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Mencius, the renowned Chinese philosopher, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his spiritual journey and his perspective on the integration of Confucian thought with the Pure Land path. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on August 23, 2018.
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
". I shall chant the Buddha's name ten times. I respectfully invite the spirit of Mencius from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."
Mencius speaks:
"Yes. I have arrived!"
Venerable HaiZe: "May I ask, Mencius, everyone honours you as the 'Second Sage' of China, and you have made immense contributions to Chinese education. Yet, why is it that you reside in the 'Upper Grade of the Land where Sages and Ordinary Beings Dwell Together' in the Western Pure Land?"
Mencius: "Namo Amituofo. First, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su for the grace of delivering me to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss." (Mencius appears with his hair styled in a small, neat bun at the back of his head. He is dressed in traditional long robes with flowing sleeves. He bows deeply, clasping his hands together in a gesture of profound respect.)
The Path of the Sage and the Burden of Self
"I followed the teachings of my predecessor, Confucius. Although I was not personally taught by him, I studied his works, such as the Analects, with the utmost reverence and practised them in my daily life, which benefited me greatly. I also had many disciples who studied under me, and they recorded our dialogues and my conduct. Thus, I am a part of the Confucian tradition. I am forever grateful to Master Confucius.
I, too, was an ordinary person. I had my share of emotions and desires. However, due to my mother's early teachings and my practice of 'restraining and returning to ritual,' whenever selfish thoughts or improper speech arose, I was able to detect them within a very short time and stop them. Because of this, I avoided committing grave errors and tasting the bitter fruits of negative . As I became more sensitive, I prevented evil thoughts from even arising, ensuring that my mind and actions remained within the bounds of propriety and goodness, never harming others."
The Lingering Shadow of Ego
"Yet, I still had a 'self.' I still had ego-attachment. I distinguished between right and wrong, and I was attached to how one should act, how one should think, and how one should behave. Because of this, there was still an 'I.' Although Confucianism develops a great love—letting go of the self to enter places where one is needed—there was still a sense of self. Even when I 'let go,' it was still tainted with subtle impurities; it was not clear and transparent enough. If I ever became lax or complacent, I would immediately create karma, leading to negative consequences—what you in the Buddhist tradition call the '' coming to collect. To put it plainly, I still possessed a . Therefore, I needed to constantly reflect upon myself and monitor my Body, Speech, and Mind to avoid falling into error.
After I passed away, I went to the twenty-eighth heaven. After more than two thousand years, one day, I heard Practitioner Su call my name. A beam of compassionate light then guided me to the Hsiang Kuang room. I listened to the sutras for a period of time, receiving the nourishment and guidance of the Pure Land teachings. Practitioner Su then sent me to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land of Namo Amituofo are truly compassionate, embracing all spirits. I have received this grace and have been able to reach this magnificent land of ultimate bliss. Once again, I offer my deepest gratitude to Practitioner Su and all the Venerables and virtuous ones at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre."
A Vision for Modern Society
"If one could integrate Confucianism and traditional culture into one, it would be easier for people to accept their differences and, through this, improve the quality of their lives. I believe this would be more effective in guiding the masses to chant the name of Namo Amituofo and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is my humble opinion for modern society.
