The Secret of the Buddha-Name

This is a record of an interview with Lu Jia, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his life approximately 1,200 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Jing, on October 9, 2018.

Venerable Lu Jia speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lu Jia. When I was but six years old, I would don my straw hat, pull up my trousers, roll up my sleeves, and step barefoot into the muddy rice paddies to help my father plant rice seedlings. It was a task I had to perform every year, and I did so with great joy. The happiness I felt when those tiny seedlings grew into golden, heavy stalks of grain was truly beyond words."

The Secret of the Golden Harvest

"Every time I planted rice, the stalks grew exceptionally well compared to those my father planted. My rice was always more golden and bountiful. My secret was simple: I would chant 'Namo Amituofo' for every single seedling I placed in the mud. I taught my father this method many times, but he would always forget to chant the Buddha-name. Naturally, his harvest could never compare to mine. This 'Namo Amituofo' is truly a supreme, boundless mantra of infinite power.

Beyond the fields, I had to assist my mother in planting and selling vegetables. I would chant 'Namo Amituofo' over every single vegetable, whispering to them, 'When you are placed on the table for sale, remember to show your brightest smile. The one who smiles the most joyfully will be chosen first.' After I gave these instructions, all the vegetables would appear fresh and vibrant. In no time at all, every single one would be sold out."

Weaving with the Buddha-Name

"I also had to help my grandmother weave clothing. She had spent over sixty years honing her craft, and her finished products were always breathtaking. Although I was only six and had been learning for just a year, my weaving skills were already on par with hers. Many people were drawn to the clothes I made, and they were purchased almost immediately. I used the same secret: I would chant 'Namo Amituofo' over the wool, the yarn, and the finished garments. I would tell every thread in the fabric, 'It does not matter if you are currently tangled or messy. When someone looks at you, you must arrange yourselves into the most perfect order with the greatest speed. Make the garment look beautiful so that people will love it and take you home.' The threads truly understood. Every time a customer came to inspect them, they would become exceptionally beautiful, radiating an attraction that made people want to buy them immediately."

The Discipline of the Brush

"In addition to weaving, I had to study calligraphy with my grandfather. Every time I sat at the desk, I would chant the Buddha-name, allowing my heart to remain completely fixed upon the Buddha-name. Naturally, every character I wrote was perfectly aligned, possessing a powerful, dragon-like energy. My grandfather was very satisfied with my ability to learn; I could master a technique after being shown only once. I would tell the characters I wrote, 'If I have written you poorly, you must adjust your own positions. Remember to arrange yourselves into the most beautiful posture so that Grandfather will not make me write you again!' These characters were the most obedient followers of Namo Amituofo. Whenever I chanted, they would listen and align themselves perfectly, creating a sight that was truly pleasing to the eye."

A Neighbour's Gift

"This secret of chanting was taught to me by a neighbour, an older brother figure who had cared for me since I was small. Once he discovered the wonders of chanting, he practised it diligently every day and led his entire family to do the same. He was a man of immense kindness who loved to help others. His family was very wealthy, but whenever his parents gave him money, he would immediately give it away as Generosity, never keeping a single coin for himself. I loved following him, as he always taught me wonderful methods, including this secret of chanting. I also loved joining him in his acts of kindness; the feeling of helping others was magnificent, and the joy of teaching others to chant was even greater. Ever since I met him, every day of my life was filled with happiness.

When I was seven, my older brother came to bid me farewell. He had decided to go deep into the mountains to practise. I was so happy for him, as this had been his lifelong aspiration, and now it was finally coming to fruition. I told him that I, too, would practise in the future, and that whenever the Buddha or Bodhisattvas came to lead me, I would follow them without hesitation."

The Call to the Dharma

"As if in response to my vow, the Buddha and Bodhisattvas truly arrived. A monk came to our village to teach the Dharma. I was the first to go and listen, sitting directly before him. I was the only one in the entire audience, so the monk spoke the Dharma to me alone. He spoke with great enthusiasm, and I listened with immense joy. For three months, I listened to the scriptures, taking them deep into my heart. I finally understood the truth of the universe: the human world is merely one of the six realms of existence. If one cannot attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime, one will likely continue to reincarnate in other realms. I realised that only by chanting the Buddha-name can one truly transcend the cycle of birth and death. No matter how wealthy or famous one may be in this life, without chanting, one must continue to suffer in samsara."

A Life Dedicated to Deliverance

"Filled with joy, I went before the Buddha six months later and made my vow: I would spend this life learning the Buddha's teachings to help all sentient beings attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. At the age of eight, I passed my master's examination and entered the monastery to practise. My master tested my vow to save sentient beings, and because my heart was truly sincere, I passed. Upon entering the monastery, I saw my older brother again. He had already become a monk, and his appearance had become so dignified; his demeanour and aura were completely different from his life in the secular world. I followed in his footsteps, practising diligently in the monastery and keeping my heart entirely focused on saving others. My practice was free of any adverse conditions; everything was a favourable condition. Whether the circumstances were good or bad, it was all a matter of our own discriminations. I viewed every challenge as an opportunity to aid my practice, breaking through obstacles and moving forward with even greater speed.

At the age of fifty, I attained Awakening. I helped sentient beings break through their delusions, enabling them to cast aside their attachments to life and focus their hearts on chanting to seek rebirth in the Western Land."

The Universal Mission

"Now, I follow Practitioner Su in the universe to perform Chao Du. Countless sentient beings with karmic affinity emerge from the space around us, surging like a tidal wave. I follow Practitioner Su's example, waving my sleeve to send them into the Buddha-light, guiding them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Today, a vast multitude of beings from across the universe are chanting the holy name of Namo Amituofo in unison. I have performed this deliverance many times, but this time, they have all truly awakened. They chant 'Namo Amituofo' together, waiting for the Buddha-light to lead them home. The universe is becoming increasingly vibrant. The name of Namo Amituofo permeates the entire void of the universe. Dark spaces are becoming bright, evil thoughts are transforming into Goodness, and the entire universe is constantly being transformed. Everything is a beautiful beginning! I am grateful for the compassion of the Buddha, and I am grateful for the compassion of Practitioner Su."

Namo Amituofo.