The Shepherd Boy: A Warning from Zhao Puchu
The Twenty-Third Letter of Zhao Puchu, Former President of the Buddhist Association of China
Recorded on August 15, 2017
When heaven bestows a great mission upon a person, it is a moment of immense fortune and honour. It is the of the Buddha that places such heavy expectations upon you. You must ask yourself: are you truly grasping this opportunity? Are you failing to repay the kindness of the Buddha, and are you failing all the suffering spirits who wait for you to save them? To truly practise compassion and repay the kindness you have received, you must learn to let go of yourself and let go of everything else. Your only priority must be the salvation of all beings, for this is the true expression of compassion and the only way to genuinely repay the kindness of the Buddha.
The Futility of Superficial Knowledge
Looking back on my life, I felt that I should dedicate myself entirely to the Buddha’s teachings. I spared no effort in my endeavours. As long as it was something I could do, I gave it my heart and soul, acting without any selfish intent. However, my direction was wrong, and my goal was misguided. No matter how much I did, it was all in vain. No one was saved by my actions; I was merely performing on the surface of Buddhist studies. Human stubbornness, self-righteousness, and the obsession with maintaining one's reputation often bind us within a self-created, illusory space. In this space, you have whatever you desire because you have imagined it all yourself. The only tragedy is that this space lacks the of Ultimate Bliss. If your space could contain a clear direction—a path leading to the Western Pure Land—then I would certainly offer you my heartfelt congratulations.
In my own space, there was no Western Pure Land. Without the Western Pure Land, there is no way out. I spent my time in my own space, doing what I thought was right, believing I was helping people in this world. At times, I was even quite proud of myself. Now, looking back, I realise how terribly wrong I was. No matter how many international conferences I attended or how many specialised research papers I produced, I failed to understand the vital importance of rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I once held great admiration for those monastics who studied the philosophy of the , the great sutras, and the vast scriptures. But now, as I look upon them, I must ask: which of them can take these scriptures and truly achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land?
The Illusion of the Scholar's Path
In the process of obsessively reading and studying these scriptures, I saw that their spirits were already wandering aimlessly within the texts. Some even felt smug and self-satisfied with their own academic knowledge. Can such a way of learning be called studying the Buddha’s teachings? I do not wish to use harsh words, but I can only describe it as such: the words I once spoke carried great weight, but now, they seem as worthless as filth. Do you still dare to cling to anything in this world? Everything here is false and illusory. How fortunate I am that I was able to be guided by Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to the Western Pure Land; otherwise, I would be left with nothing but tears of regret.
The Reality of the Spirit Realm
Worldly fame and profit can make you, while you possess a physical body, feel a sense of honour. However, they can also make you, once you have lost your physical body, suffer the torments of a living hell. The enjoyment of having a body lasts for only a few decades, but the suffering of the spirit without a body lasts for thousands upon thousands of years. If you understand mathematics, you must see clearly that the suffering of the spirit far outweighs the enjoyment of the physical life. If you are willing to trade thousands of years of suffering for a mere few decades of pleasure, then I can only admire your courage.
A Call to the Shepherds of the Dharma
To be able to study the Buddha’s teachings in this life and to have a deep affinity with the Buddha is a rare blessing. To become a monastic is an even deeper connection. You have come into this world with a heavy responsibility, carrying the compassionate vows you made long ago. You have shaved your head and left the home life in this confused world to rediscover your original, grand vow: to save this group of lost lambs. Yet, today, the sheep are not being led home; instead, they are being sent, one by one, into the wolf's den. Which sheep can walk out of there alive? Because the direction is wrong, a vast number of innocent beings are suffering the consequences.
- To the leaders and monastics:
- You must turn back immediately and look at the flock of sheep behind you.The Buddha’s grace is heavy upon you:
- Do not continue to be a shepherd who leads the flock astray.Wake up now: Do not let any more innocent beings fall into the abyss of confusion and delusion.
It is time to awaken and align yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
Written by Zhao Puchu
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Fajing
More from Lay Practitioners
The Truth Behind Auspicious Signs: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng
Many have asked why a practitioner who displayed auspicious signs during chanting still fell into the hells. Lay Practitioner Zhong Canzeng, father of Venerable Ding Hong, shares his personal testimony on the reality of karmic debt and the saving grace of Namo Amituofo.
A Message from the Western Pure Land: Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu
Lay Practitioner Huang Nianzu speaks from the Western Pure Land, offering profound insights on the mission of Practitioner Su, the presence of Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and a heartfelt call for practitioners to seize this rare opportunity for Awakening.
Transforming the Mind: An Interview with Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan
In this profound interview, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the deep connection between our mental state, the laws of karma, and the path to true healing. By understanding the role of karmic creditors and the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, we can learn to transform our minds and find liberation from suffering.
The Crucial Choice: To Change or Not to Change
In this profound dialogue, Lay Practitioner Li Bingnan explores the vital necessity of repentance and the courage required to change one's ways. He addresses the heartbreaking reality of those who refuse to listen to guidance, the cycle of karmic retribution, and the urgent call for practitioners to act with compassion to save suffering beings.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library