The Sound of the Buddha in Deaf Ears

This is a record of an interview with the Venerable Liuchang, who lived approximately 420 years ago. He sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia and now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his early life and his path to enlightenment. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 11, 2019.

Venerable Liuchang speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Liuchang. In the village where I was born, the houses were scattered far apart, separated by vast stretches of wilderness. If one needed to purchase even the simplest necessities, it required a long and arduous journey to reach the market. Life was difficult, and the lack of transportation made our existence quite isolated. When the time came for me to enter this world, the midwife could not arrive in time. My grandmother had to assist my mother in a frantic, chaotic delivery, but by the grace of heaven, I was born safely.

A Childhood in the Silence

My childhood nickname was 'Wanglai,' a name my family hoped would bring wealth and prosperity to our household, as well as many descendants. Although I grew up in a large, extended family surrounded by many cousins to play with, I found myself drawn to solitude. I cherished the quiet, still world that existed within my own mind. My parents, observing my behaviour, often felt a deep sense of anxiety. They wondered if I was a troubled child, for I did not act as others did. When I was two years old, my mother finally discovered the truth: I was profoundly deaf. From that moment on, my family treated me with extraordinary care. Whenever there was something delicious to eat or a new toy to enjoy, I was always given a share. They showered me with love, hoping that my physical disability would not lead to a sense of inferiority or shame.

It took a long time for me to learn how to speak. Because I could not hear the sounds of the world, my speech was often unclear, and my family had to listen with great patience to understand my words. Yet, the very first sentence I ever spoke left them in absolute shock. I looked at them and said, 'I do not wish to live in this world anymore.' No child should ever speak such words. No one at such a tender age should feel the weight of the world so heavily that they wish to depart from it. My declaration terrified my family, and from that day forward, they watched my every move, fearing I might harm myself.

The Search for Meaning

I spent my days wandering the streets, lost in my own thoughts. I did not care for the games that other children played. I was a quiet child, rarely sharing what was in my heart, but one day, I finally found the courage to tell them: 'I have decided to renounce the world and become a monk.' My family was stunned. They could not understand why a child would choose such a path. I explained to them, 'Ever since I became aware of this world, I have felt that I did not belong here. It is not that I wish to end my life in despair, but rather that I am searching for a place where my soul can truly find peace. That is why I do not play; I am constantly searching for the place where I am meant to be.'

I walked through countless streets, alleys, towns, and country paths. I travelled to many places, seeking truth. I was even deceived by those who sought to exploit my innocence for money, leading me to a desolate, uninhabited island. While the emptiness and purity of that place were what I craved, I knew in my heart it was not my final destination. I refused to give up. One day, exhausted, I leaned against the trunk of a tree to rest. Suddenly, a sound pierced through my silence. I could not believe it—my deaf ears were hearing something! It was the sacred name, 'Namo Amituofo,' repeated over and over again.

The Sound That Pierced the Void

I turned around and saw a monk sitting with his back against the same tree, chanting the Buddha's name. I could hear it clearly, the sound flowing directly into my ears. When I tried to speak to him, I could not hear his response, but by reading his lips, I understood his message: he was telling me to chant Namo Amituofo with a sincere heart. From that day on, I calmed my mind and began to chant. I chanted incessantly, letting the Buddha-name permeate every cell and every pore of my body. Even the cells in my ears began to listen to the Buddha-name, and each syllable became crystal clear. As I made the great vow to renounce the world and study the Dharma, a powerful force surged into my ears, and my hearing was completely restored.

I had deeply realised the suffering of this world by the age of four. When I could not hear, the world was a place of absolute silence, which allowed me to remain in a state of emptiness, untouched by the chaos of the world. As my heart became purer, everything I saw became clearer and more radiant. I have no attachment to this world. Even if one possessed all the wealth in existence, it would only bring greed and sorrow. Even the pleasures of this world are fleeting; when they fade, they leave behind even deeper pain. Only by keeping the heart in a state of meditative concentration can one remain undisturbed by the fluctuations of life.

The Path of the Bodhisattva

At ten years old, I chose the path of a monk. My family feared I would regret it, but instead, I found myself becoming more at ease and filled with Dharma-joy. I realised that my life was destined for this path of practice. The sadness I felt at birth was not a personal sorrow, but a deep compassion for the suffering of all beings. Now, using the wisdom I have cultivated and the blessings of the Buddha, I travel to spread the Dharma and save beings, and I will continue to do so until my legs can no longer carry me, at which point I will chant Namo Amituofo and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Many people in this world vow to come here to practise, attain Buddhahood, and save beings. Yet, throughout history, how many have truly fulfilled their vows and returned to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? Truly, very few. The Five Desires of this world are enough to sever one's connection to rebirth. People find it difficult to resist the desires inherent in this physical body. It requires immense perseverance and a high level of awareness. To possess these qualities, one must make a powerful vow, and the Buddha's power will naturally provide the blessings.

Reflections on Practitioner Su

Practitioner Su is a living example for the world to learn from. Born into an ordinary family and living an ordinary life, she possesses extraordinary wisdom and supernatural abilities. She truly understands the suffering of beings and has made a compassionate vow to save them. Throughout her journey, she has faced countless attacks from demons, yet she has overcome them one by one. The key lies in her fearlessness, her unwavering determination, and her heart of compassion. By being selfless and having no ego, she naturally breaks through the illusions of demons and moves forward successfully. Practitioner Su is truly worthy of being a teacher to all who wish to learn the Buddha's path and save beings. Let us work together to attain Buddhahood and save all beings. Namo Amituofo."