The Spirit of White Sesame Oil Speaks
An Interview by Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi
Recorded at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre on October 6, 2017
This interview was conducted at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre on October 6, 2017. Chief writer Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi sought to understand the spiritual origins of the various oil products kept in the centre's kitchen, leading to a profound dialogue with the spirit residing within a bottle of white sesame oil.
The Spirit of the White Sesame Oil speaks: "Namo Amituofo! Practitioner Su, in your great , you have finally thought of us. It is our turn to share our life stories."
Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi speaks: "Namo Amituofo! We consume many different types of oil here. I wonder which would be willing to step forward and share their story with everyone?"
The Sacrifice of the Small
The Spirit of the White Sesame Oil speaks: "Let it be me! I am the White Sesame Oil. I was a white sesame seed, carefully selected from the harvest. I was then sent into the machine, where I had to exert every ounce of my strength to offer up all the oil I had painstakingly accumulated. Do not look down upon my small, humble body; though I am tiny, I have achieved great things. My fragrance fills the entire room, waiting for those who truly appreciate quality to use me in their cooking, making every dish a delight."
Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi speaks: "May I ask what you were before you became a sesame seed?"
From Petty Grievances to Spiritual
The Spirit of the White Sesame Oil speaks: "Before I became a sesame seed, I was a woman. I had a round, plump figure that made me look like a person of great . In reality, however, I was a person who loved to calculate and hold grudges. I would often sulk over the most trivial, sesame-seed-sized matters. Who could have known that after I passed away, I would be reborn as an actual sesame seed?"
Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi speaks: "You are truly fortunate. Upon arriving at this Buddha-land, everyone has the opportunity to transform their existence and eventually attain Buddhahood. Do you have other companions who also wish to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss?"
A Plea for Deliverance
The Spirit of the White Sesame Oil speaks: "I have been waiting in your kitchen storeroom for such a long time; it is finally our turn to step onto the stage and let out a sigh of relief. Very well! Since the grandmotherly figure has spoken of compassion, please help us by writing memorial tablets for all the oil products here. Please, perform for us!"
Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi speaks: "Certainly. Remember to keep chanting Namo Amituofo!"
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library