The Soul Within the Handbag

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of a handbag named Ji Rujin, 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 and his transition into the spirit world. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable Haize, on October 24, 2017.

Venerable Haize speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I have been hearing a persistent message: 'Do not forget me; I am the handbag you need to interview.' I asked Practitioner Suqing to accompany me to Practitioner Su’s room to invite the spirit of the handbag to prepare for an interview. We asked the spirit to explain why he ended up becoming a handbag in the first place."

A Request from an Unexpected Source

"Ji Rujin: 'Thank you! Thank you so much! My name is Ji Rujin—the 'Jin' stands for gold. My father gave me this name, hoping that as I grew up, I would never have to worry about food or clothing, that I would always have money. As the saying goes, good people with good hearts receive good rewards. Let me start from the beginning. Last Saturday, I had been waiting for a very long time. I had seen the small refrigerator in Practitioner Su’s room request Chao Du and receive an interview, so I thought, perhaps I could ask Practitioner Su as well. When Practitioner Su picked me up, I wiggled a little—it was my way of acting a bit spoiled, I suppose—and I made my request for Chao Du. I never expected that my wish would truly be granted! I am so overjoyed. I am truly grateful!'

Venerable Haize: 'Could you please tell us how you came to be a handbag? This introduction is very important! It can help many people, as we intend to share this interview online so that others may understand the dangers of attachment. Please, tell us your fascinating story.'"

The Life of a Businessman

"Ji Rujin: 'I was a businessman, specialising in the wholesale of Taiwanese-made handbags, both synthetic and genuine leather. I was very focused on my career and valued my quality of life. My father had taught me since I was young that one must work diligently, but also enjoy life when the time is right. Because of this, I approached my work with a unique spirit. I would leave home happily every day and return in high spirits. It was strange, really—my pockets were always full of money! Because earning money came so easily to me, I was naturally generous, and I had many friends. I went from being an ordinary citizen to becoming an agent for branded leather goods. In those days, as long as you were hardworking, almost no one went hungry.

My close friend even secured the sole agency for Taiwan—the YKK zipper agency. Very few people understood the value of such an agency back then. We made money that no one knew about, and our daily income left us both very satisfied, especially since we were in our early forties. However, as Taiwan’s economy progressed, people’s hearts became less simple. Greed began to rise, and many people started changing their professions or business models. My friend with the YKK agency failed in his side investments and had to sell his agency to someone else. Thinking of him now, I realise why I was happy while earning money, while he was not.'"

The Fire and the Shift in Perspective

"Ji Rujin: 'Back then, whenever I encountered beggars in society, I would always share some money with them. My friend would always say, 'Earning money isn't easy,' and he would tell the beggars, 'You have hands and feet, why don't you go earn it yourself?' I would always reply, 'It’s not a bad thing to share with others.' I suppose that is the principle that having a generous heart brings blessings, isn't it?

However, once I started transitioning into manufacturing handbags and wanted to expand my business, I began to feel physically exhausted, and my eyes were constantly dry. I could never satisfy my desires. Even though I was already wealthy, I would wake up and work tirelessly to earn more. My wishes were truly fulfilled—I bought house after house, and my cars became increasingly expensive. But just as I established my own factory and brand, I noticed my health beginning to decline. I became easily fatigued and had to rest often.

I remember one summer evening, smoke filled the entire factory. It turned out that an electrical fire had broken out, burning all my materials to the ground. In a desperate attempt to save a batch of expensive leather, I rushed inside and hugged the finished handbags. I managed to escape the scene, but I was rushed to the hospital. Perhaps because I had performed many good deeds in the past, I only suffered minor burns. From that moment on, I often asked myself: What is it that I truly want in this life?'"

From Designer to Handbag

"Ji Rujin: 'I rested for nearly half a year, travelling around and visiting many temples, and I began to downsize my business. During that time, I discovered a new interest: learning to design various types of handbags. I searched for different styles, looking at expensive imported bags and even counterfeit designer bags that were so well-made you couldn't tell the difference. These experiences only stimulated my creative inspiration, and I found great joy in it.

Venerable Haize: 'Could you please tell us how you ended up becoming a handbag?'

Ji Rujin: 'Oh, I am so sorry! I got lost in my past and forgot to answer the question. How did I become a handbag? When I was about fifty-eight, I was already a fairly well-known handbag designer. I designed a bag that I was extremely satisfied with, and it even appeared in a magazine. After being interviewed, I became a bit of a celebrity, and I threw myself back into my work, often staying up until the early hours of the morning. This went on for two months. I wanted to produce the perfect design, so I worked through the night, pushing myself to the limit. I was so exhausted that I collapsed onto my desk and fell asleep! My mind was completely fixated on the handbag. In that space, there was a large handbag. When I tried to return to my body, I only saw my physical form slumped over the desk, unable to move. I had become the handbag—just like the one I had designed: convenient, elegant, and tasteful. The main difference was that I had a brown exterior, which made me easy to match with outfits, two rows of zippers, two front pockets for easy access, and hidden inner compartments for important items.

I loved this style the most, and I never imagined that the bag I loved most would become what I am! When I was purchased, I felt an inexplicable joy. I didn't know who the owner would be, but I was very expectant. My owner is quite special; everyone calls her Practitioner Su. I learned that she previously had a bag exactly like me, and she had been reluctant to replace it because it was so worn. A lady had thoughtfully found me, and because I looked exactly like her previous bag, this connection was formed, and I was accepted.'"

Witnessing the Compassion of Practitioner Su

"Ji Rujin: 'After I became Practitioner Su’s handbag, many extraordinary things began to happen. The sound I heard most often was the chanting of 'Namo Amituofo'. Miraculous things occurred; I felt as though I was becoming wiser, and I could understand many different voices. My owner always led me through such novel experiences. At night, in my dreams, I would hear the Wind God speaking in the space. Sometimes, when my owner was sleeping, I would hear the Dharma protectors conversing with various spirits, and even fierce demons would come to cause trouble! But Skanda Bodhisattva would always scold the demons who came to disturb, protecting Practitioner Su.

I was often opened—the zippers would be pulled back—and there was always money in the bag. I discovered that this owner of mine was always giving money to others. It turned out that Practitioner Su is a practitioner who specialises in chanting and giving Dharma talks, helping many people learn the Buddha’s teachings. I only knew that the money was always being given away to help others. I have been a handbag for forty-five years, and I have truly never seen anyone like her. Most remarkably, every time I went out with my owner, there were always sentient beings kneeling to pay respects to her, requesting Chao Du. That is why I also asked Practitioner Su to help me with Chao Du. Meeting this owner was truly my greatest stroke of luck! I am so grateful to Practitioner Su, and I am so grateful to the Buddha.'

Venerable Haize: 'The Buddha, Namo Amituofo, is full of compassion. Practitioner Su is compassionate and will send you to the Western Dharma-Nature Land to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. Once you understand the beauty of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, remember to always chant the six-character name, 'Namo Amituofo', and seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.' (He has now entered the Western Dharma-Nature Land at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.)"

This interview was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Haize.

Namo Amituofo.