This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Dante, who inhabited a mannequin at a UNIQLO store in the Taiping Shopping Mall. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from a young man to a spirit bound to a retail display. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on September 22, 2020.
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
". Is there any one of you who would be willing to accept my interview?"
Dante speaks:
"You can choose any one of us! We are all cast from the same mould—every measurement, height, and build is identical. We share the same physique, standing here day after day to catch the eyes of passers-by. It does not matter what style of clothing it is; the moment it is draped over us, the vibe changes completely. The bald mannequins are the most versatile; many store managers specifically request us for the front-line displays. Unlike those human models who can walk, pose, and sway, we are destined to stand perfectly still, frozen in a perpetual state of display."
The Hidden Influence of a Spirit
"We have no age limit. Although we look identical on the outside, the clothes we wear develop distinct characteristics depending on the spirit inhabiting the mannequin. Even the most mundane outfits can exude a unique aura based on our individual personalities. This is a subtle detail that even the shop assistants have failed to notice! They assume that because we look the same, the effect of the clothing is the same. But this minute factor is exactly what influences whether a customer decides to buy an item or not—only we know the truth. Regardless, as long as the customer likes it and it attracts the right kind of buyer, the owner's goal is achieved. Even if a customer does not buy anything today, if they have a good impression of one of us, the image of that clothing remains in their mind. When they return to the mall or see a sale, they will remember us, or perhaps even look it up online."
A Tragic End and a New Attachment
"I was once a huge fan of UNIQLO. I was a young man, eighteen years old, one hundred and eighty-five centimetres tall, and seventy-two kilograms. I had a great physique, did I not? I had some muscle, a solid build—wearing these clothes made me look like a professional hanger. People always looked at me with envy. After a party one night, I was driving around, just enjoying the ride, when I accidentally crashed. In that split second of impact, I suddenly thought of the outfit I was wearing—it was a new arrival from UNIQLO that season. I had worn it to the party and received so many compliments, so many envious glances. I even had several more pieces of that collection that I had not worn yet. Just as I was thinking this, my soul felt like it was on a rollercoaster. I drifted into the UNIQLO store, and just as a few new mannequins were being delivered, I saw a space inside one and dived right in. It has been two years now, has it not?"
Angels in White
"You are all so special. Standing there in the crowd, you look like a group of angels dressed in white. From the moment you walked through the door, you captured our attention. I never imagined I would be able to have a conversation with you. This is truly extraordinary!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"May I ask what your name is?"
Dante speaks:
"My name is Dante. I am a third-generation overseas Chinese."
The Path to the Western Land
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Dante, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for sharing your story. We are from the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Toowoomba, Australia. I will write a memorial tablet for you. Once Practitioner Su chants for you, he can help you leave this space and travel to a world of pure light—the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."
Dante speaks:
"I have been wanting to leave this place, but I have been trapped. If Practitioner Su can chant my name and help me go to that world of light, is that really possible? That sounds wonderful! Let us do it!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"Yes, it is! That is the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must chant 'Namo Amituofo' for it to work."
Dante speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. That does not sound difficult at all!"
Venerable HaiZe speaks:
"That is right! Congratulations! You will be able to leave this place very soon."
