The Small Bell’s Journey to the Western Pure Land

The Power of the Purest Sound

The sound of the bell here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is exceptionally pure and resonant. It is perfectly suited for subduing demonic enemies and karmic creditors. The level of practice here is truly profound; if you have the karmic opportunity, you should come and witness it for yourself.

I am the small bell. The large bell originally used at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has been damaged. This was not due to human mishandling, but rather other causes. Because the bell must always be resonant to play a vital role in Chao Du ceremonies, its sound cannot be allowed to falter. Our sound is used to subdue the spirits participating in the ceremonies, allowing them to receive positive energy and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

A Humble Instrument Finds Its Purpose

Since the large bell is currently resting, I, the small bell, have been called upon to take its place. When I was struck for the first time, I felt quite shy. I am at least two or three times smaller than the original bell, and I had been resting in a cupboard for a very long time. At first, I only emitted a faint sound as I was still testing my own voice. However, over these past few days, I have adapted to everything.

Although I know I am only filling this position for a few days—and that I will return to the cupboard once the large bell is repaired—I know I will be remembered. While I sat on that shelf, I watched everyone come and go. People seemed so busy, or perhaps they simply thought I was too small and often overlooked me. I knew it all, even though I could not tell you. I am so happy that I could be of use this time. These past few days have been filled with joy, and I know that I am now ready to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

The Resonance of True Practice

I am very grateful to have been used as a substitute ritual instrument. Through the accumulation of merit over these few short days, I have gathered enough to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. I have listened to the Dharma sound flowing here for some time, and I understand clearly that it is time for me to depart. The large bell, who came here from mainland China, told me that he also wishes to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.

In truth, every time the bell is struck, those who hear it can transcend space. Of course, only the bell sounds here possess such a function. I have stayed in other bodhimandas, but even though they were also bells, they did not have this level of skill. Now I understand that it is related to one's practice. It is a transmission of energy. I once stayed with a very large bell, but its sound was not as magnificent as this one. Its sound was lower and more muffled, lacking the resonance found here. It is a unique principle, but it is truly the case.

A Monk’s Devotion in a Past Life

Practitioner Su might ask why I became a bell. Eight hundred years ago, I was a monk. I do not know Venerable Changren, although we lived in roughly the same era. I presided over a temple near Hangzhou in mainland China. The temple was built halfway up a mountain, and there were very few pilgrims, but my bell was very resonant. I had never been to other temples, but that is what the pilgrims and devotees always told me. I did not really understand why.

My master taught me how to strike the bell. The bell in our home was made by my master himself. Although the patterns on it were unique, it was the best bell in the world. Whenever I struck it, I would think of my master. We were very close, and there were only the two of us in the temple. My master was elderly and did not have long to live. When he passed away, he left the temple to me. Every day, I would strike the bell and chant Namo Amituofo. I recited the sutras during the morning and evening lessons, and at night, I would ring the bell to dedicate merit to my master. I felt he had not reached the Western Pure Land, and I hoped that by working hard at my practice, I could help him leave his current predicament behind sooner. I chanted very diligently, and I do not know when it happened, but my bell sound became so resonant.

The Mystery of the White Dog

One day, while I was chanting, it seemed that the Bodhisattvas sent a message saying that my master had been rescued from the hells. Regardless of the truth of the message, I was overjoyed. I continued to chant diligently. One day, a small white dog came to the temple and refused to leave. I knew he seemed to have something to say, but I could not understand the dog's speech. I gestured for him to listen to me chant. The white dog sat obediently in the main hall, listening to my daily recitations and chanting. Before long, the dog became more and more beautiful. Observing him closely, it seemed he was even chanting along. Without realising it, I spent half a year with this white dog. I had no intention of keeping a pet, but the days passed one by one. After half a year, I thought it would be better to give him a name. I jokingly asked the dog, "What name would you like to have?" To my surprise, the dog clearly replied that he wanted to be called "Deming." I looked at the dog in shock. This was my master’s Dharma name. I picked up the dog and wept bitterly, never expecting that my master would be in such a miserable state. The next day, the dog disappeared. The Bodhisattvas sent another message, telling me that this was my master’s karma and that I should not worry. Although I understood, I still could not let go.

The Burden of Attachment

My master was truly kind; he treated me like a father. I was orphaned as a child and abandoned in the wilderness; it was my master who saved me. Regardless of what kind of person my master was, I felt infinite gratitude. I knew about my master’s retribution after death not because I was powerful, but because I knew my master was a "fake" monk. I had once caught him still in contact with his wife and children. At first, I did not think it was wrong, but one day I saw his worldly attachments deepening. He had resumed relations with his wife, and they had more children. At that moment, I knew my master would fall into the hells. I clearly saw the Yama King of the hells send a Ghost King to my master’s room to take him. Having accidentally witnessed this, I was not afraid, but I felt deeply saddened about what would become of my master.

A Simple Path to Awakening

I never left the temple in my entire life; I just stayed there and chanted. I seem to have always been very simple, but the only thing I could not let go of was my emotion for my master. I passed away in my fifties. After death, I entered the bell my master had left behind, as it was my favourite place. I did not know about the Western Pure Land, but I knew that Namo Amituofo truly existed. I often saw the Buddha’s magnificent appearance. While I was alive, I never spoke to the Buddha, only occasionally saying a few words to the Bodhisattvas. This is my past. I can testify to the practice here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre because I have had similar experiences, though I did not have such good conditions, so I only had shallow abilities. Truly, as long as one is simple, purifies oneself, and has faith in the Buddha, these things are not impossible, and they are very pure.

The bell sound here is very pure and resonant, perfect for subduing demonic enemies. The practice here is truly deep. If you have the opportunity, you should come and see. My name is Venerable Hongzheng. I am alone, the small bell, seeking Chao Du. Namo Amituofo.

Venerable Faxi: May I ask where your master is now? Do you need to write a memorial tablet for him?

Venerable Hongzheng: I am grateful for the compassion of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. My master is now a five-year-old boy, born into a poor family. Now, only my master can grow up well on his own; no one else can help him. Thank you for your compassion. Namo Amituofo.