The Solitary Path to Liberation

This is a record of an interview with Zunxian, who sought Chao Du [Spiritual Deliverance] 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 570 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 10, 2019.

Venerable Zunxian speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Zunxian. I sing to the heavens, chanting of my solitary journey. With a gourd of water on my back, I drink to purify my own heart.

I remember the day a boy was born into a family. Outside the door, one could hear the wish that this child might transcend the dust of the world. Later, I saw a woman washing clothes by the river, with a child on her back who would not stop crying. I had a clever thought; I picked a green blade of grass and, with a sudden movement, transformed it into a grasshopper. The child laughed and played, and the mother’s heart was at ease. She continued her washing, exhausted to the bone.

A Life Cast Aside

I saw a family celebrating a wedding. I raised my water gourd to offer my congratulations. The groom looked familiar—he was my brother. Only then did I realise how much time had passed since I left home. Counting carefully, many years had gone by. I saw my parents again; though aged, they were still walking. I did not know if they had forgotten who I was. I raised my water gourd once more, offering respect to my father and gratitude to my mother.

I am Zunxian. From a young age, I was driven out of my home by my parents. I did not inherit their handsome features, nor did I possess the wisdom and intelligence of my brothers. I was not like their other children. In that household, I was like a rotten egg in a basket. To preserve the perfection of the rest, my mother picked me out. She cast me out of the house, threw a small amount of money at me, and told me, 'From today on, you must fend for yourself.' With that pittance and a few pieces of clothing, I began my life of independence at the age of ten, unfolding a completely new existence.

The Illusion of Home

What is a home, really? The home I knew was different from that of other children. There was no warmth of affection, no joy of family. I was kept alone in a remote room, forbidden from being close to the family. I was a flawed product, not meant to be displayed, destined to survive in the shadows, never seeing the light.

At first, my heart was bitter about this unequal treatment. I longed for my parents' love and hoped to be with my brothers, but I never had the chance. Although I was fed and clothed, my heart was always heavy. When I was ten, I snuck into my parents' room, begging for a chance to be part of the family. To my shock, they were so enraged that they drove me out for good, forbidding me from ever returning and severing all family ties.

The Wisdom of the River

I ran to the riverbank and wept loudly, wondering why fate had arranged things this way. I pounded the water with my hands, and the river splashed forcefully against my face. Water entered my eyes, and for a moment, I could not open them. I felt like a blind man who could not see the world, and in that moment, I wished that the darkness would take me away from this life. After a while, my heart calmed, and I slowly opened my eyes. Looking at my reflection in the water, I saw a face filled with sorrow, as if I were the only one in the world suffering.

Just then, an old woman appeared by the river. She tapped her staff against the water, and the fish that had been swimming peacefully were startled, scattering in panic, not daring to linger. The old woman told me to look at the fish. She said, 'See how these fish are desperate to escape death? Even as fish, they know how to cherish their lives. Once they encounter danger, they naturally struggle to survive. Is a human not as good as a fish? Why, when encountering difficulties, can you not strive to move forward, find a path for yourself, and practice diligently?' Her words were true. I looked into her kind eyes, and she told me, 'Life is limited.'

The Endless Cycle of Desire

I bravely shouldered my pack and continued forward. Though I did not know the direction of my life, I believed that heaven had its own arrangements. On the road, a boy asked me, 'Do you have any money for me? My mother is cold and has no clothes to wear; I want to buy her a thick garment.' Seeing his tattered clothes, I gave him my money. He thanked me, and I moved on. He was younger than me, yet he lived in such misery. Compared to him, what was I?

Passing a house, I heard wailing. Someone had just passed away. An old woman was crying bitterly, saying, 'Old man! Why did you leave me alone? We promised to go together; why did you leave me here in this world to suffer? My life is so bitter!' She cried out to her dead husband, wanting him to stay a few more years, but the old man lying on the bed could not speak a word. I sighed for this woman. She had dedicated her life to her family and only had a chance to enjoy life in her old age. But what is 'blessing'? What is 'enjoyment'? Even with children by her side, losing her husband was a bitter fate. People always hope for their spouse to be there, their children to be there, their parents to be there, and to have enough wealth, a big house, a courtyard for grandchildren to run in, a carriage to ride in, and more... these endless needs and desires trap people layer by layer. When is there ever true enjoyment? When is one ever truly pure?

Awakening to the Dharma

I poured the water from my gourd over my head and told myself, 'Wake up! Where in this world is there true affection? Where is there true joy? Everywhere there are people suffering. If I am the same as the masses, why pity myself? It is all the same suffering; what is the difference? I should wake up from this and help these suffering people escape their pain.' In an instant, it was as if I had been struck by a wooden staff and awakened. My foolish brain had been grieving for the false things of this world! From that day on, I lifted my spirits and traveled everywhere, seeking to understand the nature of life.

I passed through countless households and saw hundreds of thousands of lives. People cannot escape suffering. No matter how fate is arranged, if the body has sensations, there must be reception; if there is reception, there must be causes of suffering; and one must taste the fruits of suffering. If one can transcend the dust of the world, one can escape and no longer suffer. I heard a monk giving a lecture, but no one knew the preciousness of the Buddha’s teachings. I sat alone before him to listen. Every word and every sentence was like nectar poured over my head, thoroughly waking me from my confusion and bringing me coolness and ease. I never knew the Buddha’s teachings were so profound—a panacea that truly saves beings from all suffering and evil. I followed the monk into the temple and practiced diligently. The monk said, 'Conditions arise from causes, and conditions cease with causes.' I practiced with diligence in the temple, grasping every precious moment, wanting to use this fleeting, illusory life to save sentient beings. My wish was fulfilled after my efforts. During those days of practice, I used the clear mirror of the mind to reflect upon myself until I could no longer see 'myself' in the mirror, attaining great ease and joy.

A Life of Dedication

Though I did not receive the love of my parents in this life, I exchanged it for a pure body, without love or attachment, without desire, with one heart and one virtue, dedicated to the Dharma and to all beings. I helped many beings attain salvation, forever free from suffering and in ultimate joy. I taught in other lands, and finally, I walked into the wilderness, offering this body to the wild beasts and the earth. I came empty and I left empty. I am grateful for the great compassion of Namo Amituofo.

The Chao Du performed by the Dharma Body of Practitioner Su is never limited by time or place. No matter where one is, there are beings receiving salvation from Practitioner Su. This is truly benefiting all beings and saving those in the ten directions.

This gate of liberation remains open for all beings. Practitioner Su never stops his work of deliverance, and I also seize the opportunity to contribute my part in the universe, performing Chao Du for spirits in the space opened by Practitioner Su. Few truly understand the suffering of beings, and even if they know, they may not see the suffering of others as their own. Now, Practitioner Su manifests this to show the public. I hope everyone can learn to cultivate a heart of compassion and join in the vow to save all spirits. Namo Amituofo."

The interview message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Fajing.