The Spirit of the Dust: A Journey of Awakening
An Interview with the Spirit of Liu Mucai by Venerable HaiZe
Recorded at the 2019 Taiwan Dharma Assembly
On the tenth of June, 2019, at ten twenty-four in the morning, a unique opportunity for spiritual dialogue unfolded during our assembly in Taiwan. Many beings, existing as subtle particles in the air, gathered with a profound sense of urgency and longing. They were eager to share their experiences, having witnessed the transformative power of the Buddha-light.
The Longing for Liberation
These beings were deeply moved by the story of the orchid that had been interviewed the previous day. They had seen how that orchid, through the power of the Dharma, was enveloped in brilliant Buddha-light and ascended to a lotus seat. In contrast, they felt a sense of lingering sadness, as they remained drifting in the air, waiting for their own moment of clarity and release. Venerable HaiZe kindly invited one of them to step forward as a representative to share his story.
One spirit, more forthright than the others, stepped forward to speak. He introduced himself as Liu Mucai. He had resided in this area for over one hundred years, long before the modern markets and concrete structures were built. In his lifetime, he was a humble Taiwanese craftsman, a man of the land who took pride in his work. He sold bamboo chairs and wooden clogs, while his neighbours sold traditional foods like red turtle cakes, rice bowls, bean curd, pickled vegetables, and popsicles, or worked in sewing clothes. He was a man of simple means, working hard to support his family, yet he was always content with his modest life, even as he grew old and his heart grew weary.
A Life of Attachment and Sudden Departure
As the years passed, his health began to decline. During a particularly fierce typhoon, many trees were uprooted, and the cost of timber soared. His children urged him to retire, but he found it impossible to let go of his craft. He was deeply attached to his work, to the rhythm of his daily life, and to the home he had known for so long.
One day, while he was meticulously weaving a bamboo chair, a sudden, sharp pain struck his heart. He collapsed, and with no one at home to assist him, he felt the heat of the day begin to fade. A cool, refreshing breeze swept through the room, and in that moment, he felt a strange sense of peace. He smiled, welcoming the comfort of the wind, and as he enjoyed that final, gentle sensation, he breathed his last. He did not realise he had passed away; instead, he found himself drifting within that very breeze, becoming a particle of dust in the air.
Witnessing the Passage of Time
He chose to remain in the place he called home, unable to let go of the land where he was born and raised. Whenever strong winds threatened to carry him away, he would hide in the smallest crevices, determined never to stray too far. Over the decades, he watched the world change before his eyes. He saw the small, wooden stalls replaced by concrete buildings and bustling markets. He watched as the simple wooden houses were torn down to make way for two-storey and five-storey structures, and he saw the lush rice paddies filled in to become small lanes, which eventually transformed into the wide, busy roads of today.
The Radiance of the Buddha-light
The most significant change occurred this year, when the building began to radiate a magnificent, golden light. He described seeing countless great Buddhas, deities, and spirits gathered in this space. For several days, the atmosphere was filled with an indescribable brilliance. Even when the Dharma assembly concluded and the light seemed to dim, the memory of that experience remained etched in his . He and the other spirits had never witnessed such a grand and sacred scene before.
They had struggled to enter the space, often listening from the outside, but this time, they arrived early, determined to be close to the source of the light. They were fortunate to be present, standing in the very heart of the Buddha-light. He expressed his deepest gratitude for being chosen as a representative, feeling truly honoured to speak on behalf of all the beings who had been waiting for this moment. They are now ready to follow the Buddha, to leave their suffering behind, and to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. They offer their heartfelt thanks for this path to salvation.
This account was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, acting as the chief writer.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library