The Spirit Trapped in the Coffee Bean
An Interview with a Former Workaholic Spirit
Recorded on October 7, 2017
This is a record of an interview with a spirit who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. She now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon her life as a high-achieving professional. Recorded by the disciple, Venerable Fa Jing, on October 7, 2017.
Venerable Fa Jing speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. May I ask the spirit residing within the coffee, could you please share your story with us?"
The Spirit speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. Can you even imagine what it was like to be a total workaholic? I was a powerhouse, a superwoman! If there was something I wanted to achieve, I would pursue it with every fibre of my being until it was done. Coffee became my essential weapon—my secret to staying alert. Whenever I took a sip, my energy would surge, and I felt completely revitalised. But without it? I was like a balloon that had lost all its air, utterly deflated. I was completely dependent on it to keep my drive alive."
The Price of Ambition
"I kept two massive boxes of coffee sachets tucked under my office desk. I had to brew three or four of them every single day just to function. But my life was cut short. Because I constantly pushed myself under immense pressure and consumed such high levels of caffeine daily, my body began to deteriorate and fail long before its time. I died of heart failure. I will never forget that moment—I had just taken the second sip of my coffee when I collapsed. The liquid spilled all over me. My colleagues rushed to call an ambulance, but it was too late; my life had already slipped away."
A Dream of Fragrance and Spinning
"As I fell, it felt as though I had drifted into a dream. I dreamt I was spinning inside a coffee cup, round and round, spinning endlessly! It felt so wonderful, so joyful! The rich aroma of the coffee filled my —oh, it was so fragrant! I could not let go of that sensation; I loved it so much. But very quickly, I lost . My spirit was drawn into a coffee bean. I went through machine after machine, being processed, bottled, and packaged. When someone finally drank that coffee, I was quickly expelled from their body—after all, coffee is a powerful diuretic. As soon as I ended up in the toilet, I was immediately drawn into the next coffee bean. It has been like this ever since, day after day. Please, I beg of you, help me! This existence is truly unbearable. I was once a vibrant, successful woman—I do not belong in this cycle!"
"Namo Amituofo."
More from All Things Interviews
Rediscovering the Dharma Through the Sound of the Drum
This is a record of an interview with Li Zhun, a spirit who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life as a drum maker and his subsequent spiritual journey. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on March 29, 2021.
The Guardian of the Forest Tracks
A lifelong resident of the forest, Ben shares his journey from a young boy chasing steam trains to becoming the silent, watchful stone beside the tracks, eventually witnessing the transformative light of the Dharma.
The Bellflower's Journey to the Western Pure Land
A poignant testimonial from the spirit of Li Wenqing, who recounts her journey from a frail life in a flower-growing village to her rebirth as a bellflower, and her eventual discovery of the path to the Western Pure Land through the chanting of Namo Amituofo.
The Soul Bound to the Tea Leaves
A poignant reflection on a life defined by the scent of tea, the pain of departure, and the terrifying reality of how deep attachment can trap a soul in the cycle of rebirth for centuries.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library